Storm Therese Canary Islands: Urgent Advice for Kiwi Holidaymakers as 60mph Winds and Floods Hit
If you're currently soaking up some winter sun in the Canaries, or have a flight booked in the next few days, you'll want to read this. Storm Therese has swept across the Atlantic and is now giving the islands a proper battering, with 60mph winds and torrential downpours that have put the whole place on high alert. I was chatting to a mate in Puerto de la Cruz this morning, and he said the palm trees are bending like they're made of rubber and the promenades have turned into rivers.
The Spanish weather agency has put a serious chunk of the islands on notice. We're not just talking about a bit of drizzle and a stiff breeze – this is the kind of storm that flips your lounger and sends the umbrellas flying. The main areas to keep an eye on are Gran Canaria, Tenerife, and La Palma, all of which are at risk of getting massive amounts of rain in a very short space of time. Flash flooding is the real worry, especially in those barrancos (the steep ravines that cut through the landscape) which can turn into raging torrents in minutes.
What's Happening on the Ground?
From what we're hearing, it's a mixed bag. Some resorts are just getting persistent heavy rain, while others are copping the full force of the wind. The eastern parts of the islands are copping the brunt of it. Holidaymakers in Maspalomas, Playa de las Américas, and Los Cristianos should be particularly careful. A bloke from Auckland who's out in Puerto Rico posted online, and he said the sea is absolutely wild – huge swells crashing right over the sea walls. The authorities have closed some coastal walkways, and it's only a matter of time before we hear about flight disruptions.
For anyone due to fly out with Air New Zealand, Qantas, or LATAM in the next 48 hours, do yourself a favour and check your flight status before you even think about heading to the airport. Delays and cancellations are highly likely, and you don't want to be stuck in departures nursing a $12 pint if you can avoid it. The airports in Gran Canaria and Tenerife South are still operational, but that could change if the wind picks up any more.
Your Survival Guide to Storm Therese
Look, I've been covering these storms for years, and the golden rule is don't be a hero. The sun will be back, but for now, here's a handy checklist to get you through the next day or two:
- Stay indoors where possible. That beach hut isn't going anywhere. Use the time to explore the local bars and restaurants (most are well-built and safe).
- Keep away from the coast. Those dramatic waves might look great for the 'gram, but they're deadly. One rogue wave can sweep you off the rocks.
- Heed the warnings. If the locals say "no paseo" or block off a road, they mean it. They know their island better than any guidebook.
- Charge your phone and power banks. Power cuts can happen, and you'll want to stay connected.
- Contact your airline or tour operator. If you're due to travel, get ahead of any changes. Most are pretty good at rebooking, but the queues can be absolutely mental once the delays start.
How to Make the Best of This Storm
I know, I know – you came for the sun, not a repeat of a Wellington spring. But look on the bright side: this is the perfect excuse to do all those indoor things you usually skip. Hit the local markets, have a long lazy lunch, or just catch up on your reading. The Canarians are a resilient bunch, and they'll have things back to normal sharpish once Therese does one. In the meantime, stay safe, keep an eye on the local news, and remember – a bit of rain never killed anyone. It's the flying deckchairs you need to watch out for.
We'll keep you posted as the storm moves through. If you're out there, drop us a line and let us know how you're getting on – but only once you're safe and sound indoors.