Tenerife Emergency Expands: Three More Canary Islands on Alert
An island-wide state of emergency has been declared in Tenerife as Storm Therese approaches, with authorities warning that the severe weather could spread to three additional holiday islands in the Canary archipelago. The emergency measures, announced on March 19, 2026, are in response to forecasted rampaging gusts and gales that are set to hammer Tenerife first before moving on to Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, and Fuerteventura.
Immediate Impacts and Closures
In Tenerife, major roads have been shut down as a precautionary measure. Additionally, hiking trails and Teide National Park are closed to the public to ensure safety. All outdoor events across the island have been suspended indefinitely until the storm passes.
Blanca Pérez, Tenerife's councillor for Security and Emergencies, stated that the government is closely monitoring the coast, critical infrastructure, and known risk points. "Our priority is the safety of residents and visitors," Pérez emphasized, highlighting the coordinated efforts to mitigate potential damage.
Weather Forecast and Warnings
Wind gusts are expected to reach speeds of up to 60mph, with some areas of Tenerife potentially receiving up to 11 inches of rainfall. The storm is forecast to hit Gran Canaria by Friday, followed by Fuerteventura and Lanzarote, posing similar risks of heavy rain, strong winds, and rough seas.
According to AEMET, the Spanish meteorological agency, the Canary Islands alert is part of a broader period of weather instability across Spain this week. While the mainland may experience a mix of cloud and sunny spells with light rain in western and southern regions, the Canary Islands will bear the brunt of Storm Therese's impact.
Broader Context and Travel Implications
Tenerife and Lanzarote are among the most popular destinations for UK tourists in the Canary Islands, known for their year-round sunshine and vibrant holiday scenes. Other favored spots like the Balearic Islands—including Menorca, Majorca, and Ibiza—are not currently under similar alerts but could be affected by the broader weather patterns.
AEMET's forecast indicates that the influence of Storm Therese will begin to be felt as early as Thursday, with the Mediterranean coast remaining mostly dry but breezy. However, very strong easterly gusts are also expected in Cádiz and Almería, where yellow alerts have been issued.
Maximum temperatures are predicted to rise by a degree or two in the southwest of Spain, but the focus remains on the escalating situation in the Canary Islands. Authorities urge residents and travelers to stay informed and follow safety advisories as the storm develops.
