Canary Islands battered by Storm Therese: Chaos and torrential 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 breezes have turned into hurricane-force gusts, and the sky is unleashing torrential rain that has even taken locals by surprise. It's a Canary Islands storm of a severity rarely seen this early in the year.
Storm Therese: Islands in crisis mode
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 first assessments are in – and they paint a grim picture. Schools are shut, public parks and beaches are closed, and authorities have urged everyone to stay indoors. Emergency services have been stretched to the limit, dealing mainly with uprooted trees and flooded roads. Air traffic has also been disrupted, with several flights cancelled or diverted. It's the kind of chaos usually associated with distant hurricanes, now unfolding 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 exceeding expectations. In the higher altitudes of the islands, up to 300 litres of rain per square metre are expected. To put that in perspective, it's more than some regions of the UK see in an entire year. The water is cascading down the mountainsides, carrying debris and turning normally dry riverbeds into raging torrents. The islands of La Palma, El Hierro, and the northern parts of Tenerife and Gran Canaria are bearing the brunt of it. What makes this severe weather in the Canaries so treacherous is the combination of rain and wind – gusts of over 100 km/h are not uncommon.
Your quick guide: Staying safe during the storm
For anyone currently there or planning to travel, here are the essential safety tips – a handy survival guide for Storm Therese:
- Stay indoors! It sounds obvious, but it's the most important thing. Roads are treacherous, branches can snap, and the gusts are dangerous.
- Avoid coastal areas. Waves are reaching up to six metres high, and sea spray is causing hazardous flooding on coastal roads.
- Follow instructions from local authorities. In Spain, they're called Protección Civil – if they call for an evacuation, it's time to move, and fast.
- Keep checking weather apps and news. The situation is changing hourly, and you don't want to drive into a closed zone unprepared.
This kind of storm in the Canaries is not to be taken lightly – but with the right approach, you can 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 ease off gradually, and by the weekend, the typical Canary Islands weather should return – plenty of sunshine and a pleasant 22°C. Until then, though, it's a case of holding on. The islanders are used to a bit of everything, but a look at the current severe weather situation shows this is one of the most intense episodes in recent years. Authorities are also taking stock: fortunately, there have been no injuries so far, but the damage to property is extensive.
So, if you're flying to the Canaries in the next few days, check with your airline beforehand and perhaps hold off on booking that hire car for a little while. Nature is showing its full force here – and it commands respect. We'll keep you updated on how the Canary Islands storm develops.