Severe Weather Hits Canary Islands: Storm Therese Wreaks Havoc with Torrential Rain
The Canary Islands usually conjure up images of sun, sand, and sea. But right now, the archipelago is showing a completely different side. For hours, Storm Therese has been raging over the islands, causing a state of emergency. The typically gentle breezes have turned into hurricane-force gusts, and the sky is unleashing torrents of rain that are astonishing even the locals. It's a severe weather event in the Canary Islands rarely seen this early in the year.
Storm Therese: Islands in a State of Emergency
What's been brewing over the Atlantic has a name: Therese. And this storm 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, and authorities have urgently advised people to stay indoors. Emergency services have been running hot, mainly 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 distant hurricanes, now hitting these holiday paradises directly.
Forecast Torrential Rain: 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 see in an entire year. These massive volumes of water are forcing their way down into the valleys, carrying debris and turning normally dry riverbeds 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 Canary Islands so treacherous is the combination of rain and wind – gusts exceeding 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 little survival guide for the storm:
- Stay indoors! Sounds simple, but it's the most important thing. Roads are slippery, branches can break, 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 call for evacuation, it's serious and you need to act immediately.
- Check weather apps and news regularly. The situation changes hourly, and you don't want to drive into a closed-off zone unprepared.
A severe weather event in the Canary Islands is no joke – but with the right precautions, you can get through it safely.
What's Next? The Forecast for the Coming Days
The good news: Storm Therese won't last forever. Starting tomorrow, the rain is expected to slowly ease up, and by the weekend, the typical Canary Islands weather should return – plenty of sunshine with a pleasant 22 degrees. Until then, it's a matter of hunkering down. While island residents are used to a fair share of weather, 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 enormous.
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 for a bit. Nature is showing its full force here – and it commands respect. We'll keep you updated on how the severe weather in the Canary Islands develops.