Severe Weather Hits the Canaries: Storm Therese Wreaks Havoc with Extreme Rain
The Canary Islands – it usually conjures up images of sun, sand, and sea. But right now, the archipelago is showing a completely different side. For hours, Storm Therese has been battering the islands, causing a state of emergency. The usually gentle breeze has turned into hurricane-force gusts, and the sky is dumping massive amounts of water, leaving even locals astonished. This is severe weather in the Canaries the likes of which is rarely seen this early in the year.
Storm Therese: Islands in a State of Emergency
The system that brewed up over the Atlantic has a name: Therese. And it means business. On Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, and the neighbouring islands, the initial damage assessment is in – and it's severe. Schools are closed, public parks and beaches are shut, and authorities have urgently pleaded with people to stay indoors. Emergency services were run off their feet, mostly dealing with fallen trees and flooded roads. Air traffic has also been impacted, with several flights cancelled or diverted. It's chaos usually associated with distant hurricanes, now right on the doorstep of these holiday hotspots.
Extreme Rain Forecast: Up to 300 Litres per Square Metre
Meteorologists had predicted it, but the reality is surpassing the forecasts. In the higher altitudes of the islands, up to 300 litres of rain per square metre is expected. To put that in perspective: that's more than some regions of Australia see in an entire year. The torrents of water are carving their way down to the valleys, carrying debris and turning normally dry creek beds into raging torrents. The islands of La Palma, El Hierro, and the northern sides of Tenerife and Gran Canaria are particularly hard hit. What makes this severe weather in the Canaries so dangerous is the combination of rain and wind – gusts exceeding 100 km/h are common.
Quick Guide: How to Stay Safe During the Storm
For anyone currently there or planning to travel, here are the key safety tips – a handy guide for getting through Storm Therese:
- Stay indoors! Sounds obvious, but it's the most important thing. Roads are treacherous, branches can snap, and the gusts are unpredictable.
- Avoid coastal areas. Waves are expected to reach up to six metres, and sea spray is causing dangerous flooding on coastal roads.
- Follow instructions from local authorities. In Spain, they're called Protección Civil – if they issue evacuation orders, it's time to move immediately.
- Regularly check weather apps and news. The situation changes hourly, and you don't want to drive into a restricted zone unprepared.
This kind of severe weather in the Canaries is no joke – but with the right precautions, you'll get through it safely.
What's Next? The Forecast for the Coming Days
The good news: Storm Therese won't last forever. From tomorrow, the rain is expected to gradually ease, and by the weekend, the typical Canary Islands weather should return – plenty of sunshine with pleasant temperatures around 22 degrees. Until then, it's a matter of holding on. While island residents are used to a bit of everything, a review of the current severe weather situation shows this is one of the most intense episodes in recent years. Authorities are also doing their initial assessments: fortunately, no injuries have been reported so far, but the property damage is extensive.
So, if you're flying to the Canaries in the next few days, it's best to check with your airline beforehand and maybe hold off on booking that hire car. Nature is showing its full force here – and it demands respect. We'll keep you updated as the severe weather in the Canaries develops.