Storm Therese has wreaked havoc across the Canary Islands, with British tourists facing chaos at Tenerife airport as severe weather warnings remain in place. The storm, which battered the holiday hotspot for five consecutive days, brought 70mph winds and torrential rain, causing widespread flooding and disruption.
Dramatic footage shows a busload of tourists, including Brits, trapped in floodwaters in Puerto de la Cruz, northern Tenerife. Passengers were seen screaming for help and escaping through the sunroof, with firefighters rescuing two women using a ladder. All occupants were unharmed.
The storm has dumped over 700 litres of rain per square metre on Gran Canaria's peaks, leading to river banks bursting and street-level flooding. Areas including San Bartolomé de Tirajana, Mogán, and Telde have been severely affected, with dozens of people isolated. Mobile phone outages have been reported due to lightning strikes and low clouds, and rescue teams are working to secure electricity pylons threatened by water seepage.
In La Palma, record rainfall of 118 litres was recorded near the Roque de los Muchachos volcano. Authorities urge residents and tourists to avoid non-essential travel as dangerous conditions are predicted to return. A rare emergency weather warning was issued on Monday evening as flash floods hit the Guiniguada ravine, prompting rescues of cyclists and a trapped woman.
Off the coast of Tenerife, around 60 people were rescued from a small boat in distress, with helicopters plucking them to safety amid high waves. The storm has affected four of the seven main islands, with snow reported on some roads.
