Emergency Weather Warnings Activated Across Six Spanish Islands
Six Spanish islands in the Canary archipelago have activated emergency weather warnings, with Lanzarote and Tenerife among those affected by Storm Therese. The storm is battering the region with a deluge of rain and highly unsettled conditions, posing significant disruptions for travellers.
Storm Therese Brings Severe Conditions
Storm Therese is set to impact the Canary Islands on Tuesday, March 24, and Wednesday, March 25, bringing intense rainfall and stormy weather. The Spanish Meteorological Office, known as AEMET, has issued yellow and orange alerts for heavy rain and storms across all the islands. These warnings are expected to remain in place for the next 48 hours, with potential extensions as forecasts are updated.
Full List of Affected Islands and Alerts
The following islands are under weather warnings:
- Tenerife: Orange warning for heavy rain in the north, east, south, west, and metropolitan areas until 11:59pm on Tuesday, with rainfall up to 30mm per hour. It will then downgrade to yellow in the north, with up to 15mm per hour.
- Gran Canaria: Yellow warning for rain across much of the island until late Tuesday.
- Lanzarote: Yellow alert in effect.
- Fuerteventura: Yellow alert activated.
- La Palma: Yellow alert remains until mid-afternoon on Tuesday and Wednesday.
- El Hierro and La Gomera: Both under orange warnings for heavy rain until later tonight.
This brings the total number of holiday islands affected to six, highlighting the widespread nature of the storm.
Guidance for UK Tourists
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has issued advice for travellers in the region. They recommend preparing for and responding to extreme weather and natural hazards, which can affect many areas of Spain, particularly during the summer months. Tourists are urged to follow updates from the Spanish Meteorological Office and European Meteorological Services for severe weather warnings.
Additionally, the FCDO guidance suggests checking with travel providers and adhering to the advice of local authorities. The NHS also provides information on coping in hot weather, though current conditions are focused on rain and storms.
This situation underscores the importance of staying informed and taking precautions while travelling in affected areas.
