Storm Therese Brings Chaos to Tenerife: Flights Cancelled, Tourists Stranded
Storm Therese is currently wreaking havoc across the Canary Islands, particularly impacting Tenerife and La Palma with a rare combination of heavy rainfall, powerful winds reaching 100 km/h (62 mph), and significant snowfall in higher elevations. Authorities have declared a full-scale emergency in Tenerife, labeling this as one of the most severe storms to hit the archipelago in over a decade.
Widespread Weather Warnings and Disruptions
Spain's meteorological agency, AEMET, has issued multiple warnings that will remain active throughout the weekend. Orange alerts, indicating high risk, are in place for northern Tenerife and parts of La Palma due to wind gusts of 90–100 km/h and intense rainfall. Meanwhile, yellow warnings cover all seven islands for rain, thunderstorms, and rough seas with waves exceeding 6 metres (20 feet).
Unusually for this time of year, substantial snowfall has blanketed Mount Teide and surrounding peaks above 1,800–2,000 metres. This has led to widespread travel cancellations and safety-related shutdowns across the islands. Over 40 flights were cancelled or rerouted by Friday, March 20, primarily affecting Tenerife North and South airports.
Impact on Travel and Local Infrastructure
The storm has caused significant disruptions to both air and ground transportation. Travellers are strongly advised to check their flight status via Flightradar24 or directly with their airlines. Schools and universities across Tenerife, Gran Canaria, and several other islands were closed on Thursday and Friday. Key roads, including access to Teide National Park and the TF-445 to Punta de Teno, remain closed due to ice and snow accumulation.
Major international events, such as the Tenerife Bluetrail 2026 race, have been either cancelled or postponed due to the unforeseen weather conditions. The hazardous conditions are expected to persist until Saturday, with a gradual improvement forecasted from Sunday, March 22.
Tourist Experiences and Social Media Reactions
Tourists and residents have taken to social media to share their experiences. A Tenerife resident, known as @theknightstrider1 on TikTok, provided a weather update from Playa de las Américas, describing the situation as "pretty grim" with on-and-off rain showers and temperatures around 18 degrees. He advised visitors to carry umbrellas and rain macs.
Comments from affected individuals highlight the frustration and concern. One person stated, "Weather's been awful the last three days, can't wait to go home," while another expressed relief for changing travel plans. A third questioned the timing, "Why is it every time it's sunny in the UK it rains in Tenerife?"
Another resident posted from Santa Cruz de Tenerife, noting cancelled flights, diverted routes, and ferry cancellations due to the stormy conditions. He mentioned that temperatures were hovering around 19 degrees with sporadic rainfall and overcast skies.
Flight Cancellations and Airline Advisories
Flights from the UK to Tenerife are experiencing significant disruptions, with many cancellations and diversions due to poor visibility and high winds. As of Saturday, March 21, 2026, over 36 flights have been cancelled earlier in the week, with ongoing issues persisting. Tenerife North airport is particularly affected, though Tenerife South, the main arrival point for UK flights, is also seeing delays and redirected services.
Major airlines operating on the UK to Tenerife route, including Ryanair, easyJet, Jet2, and TUI, are advising passengers to check their flight status before heading to the airport. If a flight is cancelled, passengers should contact their airline immediately to discuss rebooking or refund options.
The situation remains fluid, with authorities and airlines closely monitoring the weather developments to ensure safety and minimize further disruptions for travellers stranded in the Canary Islands.
