The Canary Islands Government has raised the risk level from pre-alert to 'alert' for flooding and landslides across Tenerife, the western islands and Gran Canaria as Storm Therese continues to affect the archipelago. The storm, named by the Portuguese weather service earlier this week, has prompted yellow and orange warnings from Spain's AEMET for rain, wind and storms.
AEMET warned: 'Be prepared. Take precautions and keep up to date with the latest weather forecast. Severe damages to people and properties may occur, especially to those vulnerable or in exposed areas.' An orange warning, indicating dangerous and unusual meteorological phenomena, is in place for several islands, with Gran Canaria facing orange warnings for wind and rainfall alongside a yellow warning for coastal flooding.
The Tenerife Island Council activated its emergency plan on Wednesday, urging locals and visitors to exercise caution and avoid unnecessary travel. Temporary shelters have been set up in affected areas, and access roads to the Teide National Park have been closed. Local news site Canarian Weekly reported that preventative evacuations have not been ruled out, and small communities could become isolated if conditions worsen.
Storm Therese is the 19th storm named by the south-west Europe naming group this season, setting a new record. In response to the escalating situation, authorities have upgraded the PLATECA emergency plan to alert level, allowing closer monitoring of damage to infrastructure and homes. Regional officials are tracking incidents in real time as unstable ground conditions continue to pose a risk.
Most alerts are expected to be lifted by Sunday March 22. Authorities are advising residents and visitors to avoid all non-essential travel, particularly in elevated areas and exposed slopes, and to follow official guidance.
