Combining spring tides and strong waves has put the urban beaches of A Coruña in check, causing temporary closures, evacuations and the raising of the Red flag on the most popular beaches in the center. The phenomenon, common at this time of year, has been reinforced by a groundswell that pushes the waves to the edge of the promenade.
With the coastline under constant surveillance, Aemet has activated the yellow warning due to coastal storms and extreme caution has been requested. The waves, which reach between 4 and 5 meters, have forced the rescue services and the Local Police to regulate access and restrict bathing for safety reasons.
Closures and restrictions on the sandbanks
After a rainy morning that subsided at noon, on Tuesday afternoon many residents approached the coast and the lifeguard service activated a surveillance device from 16:00 p.m.At 18:30 it was decided to close the beaches in phases. Orzán, Riazor, Matadero and San Amaro, with the water reaching the wall of the promenade in the Orzán cove.
The agents evicted dozens of bathers due to the rapid rise of the tide and the force of the waves. The sandbanks remained closed until after 20:30, while many people gathered on the seafront promenade to watch the spectacle of the sea, with limited access and the constant presence of lifeguards.
Already on Wednesday, the situation became tense again early in the morning with the high tide around 07:30, which led to the closure of specific access points in Orzán. By midday, the sandbank was open to the public, but with a red flag waving all over the beach and swimming prohibited due to persistent currents and swells.
In Riazor they were appreciated algae clumps dragged by the waves, and the rescue device maintained the restrictions depending on the evolution of the sea. The City Council recalled the need to follow the instructions, avoid approaching the shore during stormy weather and do not go down to low-lying areas of the coast.
Sea conditions and causes of the episode
The spring tides, typical of these days, have been amplified by the swell associated with a storm located west of Ireland, a system derived from the Hurricane ErinThis configuration pushes long swells toward the Galician coast and increases the height and reach of the waves on the sand.
With high tide around 07:30 and low tide past the 13:00, marks in the wet sand They have shown how the waves reached the base of the promenade at high tide. This pattern has been repeated with each cycle, requiring real-time adjustments to closures and swimming restrictions.
The Aemet warning for coastal storms is remains active since 10:00, with waves expected to be 4 to 5 meters high and tending to subside from late afternoon, when a gradual improvement is expected if the swell level drops.
Recommendations and safety
The authorities insist on maintaining the maximum prudence: Stay away from breakwaters and rocky areas, do not go down to platforms battered by waves, and obey the signs and orders of the local police and lifeguards. Pay special attention at points such as Punta Herminia, where the surge of waves can surprise even those observing from above.
In fact, the previous day two people who approached a rocky area to take pictures were hit by a waveFortunately, it was just a scare. It is recommended not to risk it for a photo and always look for safe, high places to contemplate the sea.
Those walking along the coast should avoid approaching the water's edge, supervise children and pets and assume that the red flag implies total ban on bathingAccess to beaches may be restricted at any time if conditions worsen.
Situation now and follow-up
At this time, Orzán remains open with a red flag and the rest of the beaches in the center remain under surveillance, with restrictions modulated according to the wave evolutionThe municipal device will continue monitoring the coastline to update access and markings depending on the next tide hours.
The episode leaves a powerful image of the Atlantic in A Coruña, with Occasional closures, significant waves and maximum caution by the emergency services; while the swell persists, it is recommended to plan your visits to the promenade, stay behind the safety barriers, and heed official warnings.
