Severe weather hits the Canaries: Storm Therese brings chaos and extreme rain
The Canary Islands – the name usually conjures up images of sun, sand and sea. But right now, this 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 the sky is unleashing torrents of rain that have even locals amazed. It's a severe weather event in the Canaries 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 first assessments are in – and they're stark. Schools are shut, public parks and beaches are closed, and authorities have strongly urged everyone to stay indoors. Emergency services were run off their feet, mainly dealing with fallen 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 far-off hurricanes, now playing out right on the doorstep of these holiday hotspots.
Forecast extreme rain: Up to 300 litres per square metre
Meteorologists had predicted it, but the reality is outstripping the forecasts. In the higher altitudes of the islands, they're expecting up to 300 litres of rain per square metre. To put that in perspective, it's more than some regions of New Zealand see in an entire year. The deluge is carving its way down to 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 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 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 inside! 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 expected to reach up to six metres, 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 evacuations, it's time to move.
- Check weather apps and news regularly. The situation changes hourly, and you don't want to drive into a closed zone unprepared.
This kind of severe weather in the Canaries is no joke – but with the right approach, 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 classic Canary Islands weather should return – plenty of sunshine and pleasant 22-degree temperatures. But until then, it's a matter of hanging in there. Residents are used to a bit of everything, but a review of the current severe 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 massive.
So, if you're flying to the Canaries in the next few days, it's worth checking with your airline beforehand and maybe holding off on booking that rental car. Nature is showing its full force here – and it demands respect. We'll keep you updated as the severe weather in the Canary Islands develops.