Tenerife has declared a state of emergency as Storm Therese hits the Canary Islands with 75mph winds. Spain's meteorological agency, Aemet, issued yellow and orange weather warnings across the islands on Wednesday, forecasting strong gusts, heavy downpours, flash flooding and rough seas this weekend.
Roads have been closed across the Canaries, including to Mount Teide, as up to 300mm of rain and significant snow accumulations are expected on the peaks of La Palma and Tenerife. The Tenerife Cabildo activated the Island Emergency Plan (PEIN) from 3pm on Wednesday.
Island president Rosa Dávila urged caution, advising against unnecessary travel and to follow official information. She reported numerous incidents including falling lanterns, power outages and water accumulation, as well as rescues in coastal areas and ravines due to strong waves and rising water.
Aemet said the storm would affect the region from Thursday until at least Sunday, with waves over five metres high. Schools were closed on Thursday and Friday, with remote work encouraged except for essential services. Cultural activities, sports and public events involving travel between municipalities were also suspended.
More than 1,000 emergency services personnel are working to ensure safety, said Dávila. Despite the storm, flights at Tenerife's South and North airports are largely operating as scheduled, though 23 flights were delayed at Tenerife North and 24 at Tenerife South on Friday morning, according to Flightradar24.
