Severe weather in the Canaries: Storm Therese brings chaos and extreme rainfall
The Canaries – 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 normally gentle breezes have turned into hurricane-force gusts, and torrential rain is falling from the sky, astounding even the locals. It's a severe weather event in the Canaries rarely seen so early in the year.
Storm Therese: Islands in a state of emergency
The system brewing over the Atlantic has a name: Therese. And she means business. An initial assessment is already in for Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, and the neighbouring islands – and it's severe. Schools are closed, public parks and beaches are shut down, and authorities have strongly urged people to stay indoors. Emergency services have been run off their feet, primarily dealing with fallen trees and flooded roads. Air traffic has also been affected, with several flights cancelled or diverted. It's the kind of chaos usually associated with news reports of distant hurricanes, now unfolding right on the doorstep of these holiday hotspots.
Extreme rainfall predicted: Up to 300 litres per square metre
Meteorologists had forecast it, but the reality is exceeding the predictions. 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 Ireland see in an entire year. The water is forcing its way down into the valleys, carrying debris and turning normally dry stream beds into raging torrents. The islands of La Palma, El Hierro, and the northern sides of Tenerife and Gran Canaria are particularly badly hit. 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.
Quick guide: How to stay safe during the storm
For anyone currently on the islands or planning to travel, here are the key safety tips – a handy guide for riding out the storm:
- Stay indoors! It sounds obvious, but it's the most important thing. Roads are slick, branches can snap, and the gusts are dangerous.
- Avoid coastal areas. Waves are reaching up to six metres high, 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.
- Check weather apps and news regularly. The situation changes hourly, and you don't want to drive unprepared into a closed-off zone.
A severe weather event like this in the Canaries is no joke – but with the right precautions, you can get through it safely.
And 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 slowly ease off, and by the weekend, the typical Canarian weather should return – plenty of sunshine and pleasant 22-degree temperatures. Until then, though, it's a case of holding tight. While the islanders are used to a fair bit, a review of the current weather situation shows this is one of the most intense episodes in recent years. Authorities are also taking stock: fortunately, no injuries have been reported so far, but the damage to property is immense.
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 rental car just yet. Nature is showing its raw power right now – and it deserves respect. We'll keep you updated on how the severe weather in the Canaries develops.