Storm Therese Triggers Emergency Declaration Across Canary Islands
The Canary Islands have been plunged into a state of emergency as Storm Therese unleashes torrential rain, fierce winds, and unseasonal snowfall across the region. Authorities have described this as the most severe weather event to strike the islands in over a decade, prompting widespread chaos and significant disruptions to daily life.
Severe Weather Conditions and Immediate Impacts
Storm Therese has battered the popular British tourist destination with an orange weather alert in effect after days of relentless wild conditions. Footage shared by astonished tourists reveals Mount Teide in Tenerife dusted in snow, transforming the typically sun-soaked island into a wintry landscape at higher altitudes. Hikers have been seen trudging through snow above 1,800 metres, with forecasts predicting further significant snowfall in these elevated areas.
The severe weather has already caused major travel disruption, with at least seven flights cancelled or diverted on Thursday alone, following 36 cancellations the previous day. This has left thousands of passengers stranded across the islands. Gusts have exceeded 74mph in some locations, while relentless downpours have triggered flash flooding and landslides, according to local reports.
Emergency Measures and Warnings
Spain's State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) has issued stark warnings, indicating that some areas could receive more than a year's worth of rainfall in just a few days. In response, authorities in Tenerife activated the island's emergency plan on Wednesday. This involved shutting roads, banning hiking routes, and closing Teide National Park to ensure public safety.
Additionally, schools, nurseries, and day care centres were forced to close, with services for elderly residents suspended as a precautionary measure. Forecasters noted that the storm was expected to reach its most intense phase recently, with up to 100mm of rain forecast within just 12 hours, accompanied by strong winds and rough seas. Sea conditions have deteriorated significantly, with waves reaching up to six metres in some areas, prompting warnings across several islands.
Ongoing Disruption and Safety Concerns
While conditions are anticipated to ease slightly into the weekend, disruption is expected to persist with further heavy rain, gusts of up to 90km/h, and waves still reaching considerable heights. Residents and tourists have been urgently advised to avoid unnecessary travel, exercise caution in coastal and mountainous areas, and adhere to guidance from local authorities as Storm Therese continues to sweep the region.
Rosa Dávila, president of Tenerife, emphasised the need for maximum caution, stating that the island's emergency response system was activated to prepare for the adverse weather episode. This emergency follows a recent incident where tourists narrowly escaped death after being struck by a monster wave while taking selfies on rocks during a storm in Gran Canaria. The group had ignored warning signs and protective fencing, highlighting ongoing risks despite safety measures.
The association for the prevention of accidents in aquatic environments, Canarias 1500 Km de Costa, reiterated warnings about ignoring safety barriers at dangerous coastal points. As Storm Therese rages on, the focus remains on mitigating further damage and ensuring the safety of all affected by this unprecedented weather event.
