Two dead in Canaries as Atlantic storm rages on

Two people were killed and another two rescued in the Canary Islands on Thursday after being swept out to sea by a huge wave as strong winds and torrential rain continue to batter Spain and Portugal. The incident occurred on the island of La Graciosa when a 47-year-old was walking on Las Conchas beach with three children. The four were members of two distinct families. Along with the adult, an 11-year-old was swept away and drowned.

The area of low pressure affecting western Europe is set to continue on Friday, with Galicia and Cantabria expected to bear the brunt of the storm. Winds of up to 100km/h were recorded on Thursday in the west and north of Spain, but maritime traffic in the Gibraltar Strait was able to resume later on in the day after being suspended.

In Portugal authorities have maintained a state of alert as the storm front continues to batter the coast, warning both professional and recreational fishermen to be extra vigilant. In the past two weeks of severe weather, six amateur fishermen were killed when their boat capsized and one youngster was confirmed dead — and five missing — after being swept away by waves.