Storm Therese Triggers Maximum Alert for UK Tourists in Canary Islands
UK tourists visiting the Canary Islands have been placed on maximum alert as Storm Therese takes a sudden and dangerous turn, according to local reports from The Canarian Weekly. The storm is now bringing intense rainfall across the archipelago, with significant impacts on popular destinations like Tenerife and Lanzarote.
Emergency Warnings and Red Alert Activation
A red weather warning for Storm Therese was issued on Tuesday evening at approximately 8:45 PM, specifically targeting the northern regions of Tenerife, including areas such as Puerto de la Cruz. Canaries President Rosa Dávila confirmed that the ES-Alert system has been activated, sending emergency warnings directly to mobile phones in affected zones to ensure rapid public awareness.
Forecasters from AEMET, Spain's meteorological agency equivalent to the UK's Met Office, have highlighted the severity of the situation. The agency escalated warnings from yellow to orange on March 19 as the storm intensified, with the worst conditions concentrated in northern Tenerife and around Mount Teide.
Critical Safety Instructions for Residents and Tourists
Authorities are issuing urgent safety guidelines to both residents and tourists in the Canary Islands:
- Avoid all unnecessary travel, particularly on inland and secondary roads that are prone to flooding and landslides.
- Never attempt to cross flooded ravines or waterways, as conditions can be treacherous and life-threatening.
- Secure doors and windows to prevent water from entering homes and accommodations, reducing potential property damage.
- If driving, reduce speed significantly and do not attempt to pass through flooded areas to avoid vehicle submersion or accidents.
- Call emergency services immediately if someone is in danger, ensuring prompt assistance from rescue crews.
Widespread Emergencies and Infrastructure Strain
The impact of Storm Therese has been substantial, with emergency crews dealing with 653 incidents in just 18 hours on Tuesday alone. These emergencies included road flooding, landslides, and swamped public spaces, highlighting the storm's destructive force.
In Tenerife specifically, more than 200 incidents have been reported, with water surging through streets and local infrastructure struggling under the strain. Officials stress that the situation remains highly volatile and are calling for maximum cooperation from the public as the storm continues to affect the Canary Islands.
Ongoing Weather Forecast and Public Vigilance
AEMET forecasters warn that scattered showers remain possible through the final days of March, indicating that the weather conditions may persist. The red alert for northern Tenerife, issued on the evening of March 24, underscores the extraordinary danger posed by the storm, with authorities urging ongoing vigilance.
This alert follows previous warnings from foreign offices about travel risks, emphasizing the importance of heeding local advice during severe weather events. Tourists and residents alike are advised to stay informed through official channels and prioritize safety above all else.
