Severe Storms Hit the Canary Islands: Storm Therese Wreaks Havoc with Extreme Rainfall
The Canary Islands – the name alone usually conjures up images of sun, sand, and sea. But right now, the archipelago is showing a completely different face. For hours, Storm Therese has been raging across the islands, causing a state of emergency. The normally gentle breezes have turned into hurricane-force gusts, and the skies are unleashing torrents of water that are astounding even the locals. It's a severe weather event in the Canaries rarely seen this early in the year.
Storm Therese: The islands in a state of emergency
What's been brewing over the Atlantic has a name: Therese. And it means business. On Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, and the neighboring islands, the first damage assessments are in – and they're severe. Schools are closed, public parks and beaches are shut down, and authorities have urgently asked everyone to stay indoors. Emergency lines were flooded, mainly with calls about downed trees and flooded roads. Air traffic has also been impacted, with several flights canceled or diverted. It's the kind of chaos usually reserved for news reports about distant hurricanes, now happening right on the doorstep of these vacation paradises.
Extreme rainfall: Up to 12 inches expected
Meteorologists had predicted it, but the reality is exceeding the forecasts. In the higher altitudes of the islands, up to 12 inches (300 liters per square meter) of rain are expected. To put that in perspective: that's more than some regions get in an entire year. The deluge 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 among the hardest hit. What makes this severe weather in the Canaries so dangerous is the combination of rain and wind – gusts exceeding 60 mph are common.
Quick guide: How to stay safe during the storm
For anyone currently on the islands or planning to travel, here are the most important safety tips – a mini survival guide for Storm Therese:
- Stay inside! It sounds simple, but it's rule number one. Roads are slick, branches can snap, and the gusts are treacherous.
- Avoid coastal areas. Waves are reaching up to 20 feet, and sea spray is causing dangerous flooding on coastal roads.
- Follow instructions from local authorities. In Spain, that's Protección Civil – if they call for evacuations, it's time to move.
- Regularly check weather apps and news. The situation changes hourly, and you don't want to unknowingly drive into a closed-off zone.
This kind of severe storm in the Canaries is nothing to sneeze at – but with the right precautions, you can stay safe.
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 and pleasant temperatures around 72°F (22°C). Until then, it's a matter of holding on. While island residents are used to a lot, a review of the current weather situation shows this is one of the most intense episodes in recent years. Authorities are also conducting initial assessments: fortunately, no injuries have been reported so far, but property damage is extensive.
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. Nature is showing its raw power here – and it commands respect. We'll keep you updated on how the severe weather in the Canary Islands develops.