Holidaymakers are reportedly cancelling their Tenerife breaks as Storm Therese unleashes wild weather across the Canary Islands, causing significant travel disruption and airport chaos. The storm, described as one of the most severe in over a decade, has prompted authorities to declare a full-scale emergency in Tenerife, with Spain's meteorological agency, AEMET, issuing multiple alerts that will remain active throughout the weekend.
Severe Weather Conditions and Warnings
Storm Therese is delivering an unusual combination of heavy rain, winds reaching up to 100 km/h (62 mph), and substantial snowfall at high altitudes, particularly on Mount Teide and surrounding peaks above 1,800–2,000 metres. Orange high-risk warnings have been dispatched for northern Tenerife and parts of La Palma due to wind gusts and heavy rainfall, while yellow warnings are in effect across all seven islands for rain, thunderstorms, and choppy seas with waves up to 6 metres (20 feet).
Impact on Travel and Tourism
The weather drama has led to widespread cancellations and safety shutdowns, with over 40 flights cancelled or diverted by Friday, 20 March, mainly at Tenerife North and South airports. Travellers are urged to verify their flight status via Flightradar24 or their airline, as many on social media have branded Tenerife South Airport as 'chaos', citing hours-long luggage queues, malfunctioning E-gates, and missed flights.
One Tenerife resident, a car hire and bar owner known as @theknightstrider1 on TikTok, shared videos depicting the 'wild' weather, noting torrential downpours alternating with brief sunshine. He advised holidaymakers to expect a mixed bag of conditions and focus on indoor activities, with temperatures around 22 degrees in the sun but dropping to 18 degrees in the shade with rain and wind.
Holidaymaker Reactions and Cancellations
Numerous followers among his 115,000-strong audience expressed concern about their upcoming breaks, with some commenting on hopes for improved weather by their arrival dates. However, others admitted to cancelling their trips at the last minute, with one person writing, 'We cancelled our week away at the last minute,' and another replying, 'Snap – we've rebooked for April 12 onwards.'
Airport Chaos and Safety Measures
In a video from Tenerife South Airport, @theknightstrider1 described the arrivals area as 'rammed' and recommended arriving early for departures to avoid queues. Allegations include hundreds queuing to see a single passport officer due to non-functioning E-gates, exacerbating the disruption. Aena has been approached for comment on the situation.
Forecast and Expected Relief
Storm Therese is expected to subside across most affected areas by Monday, 23 March 2026, with the worst weather occurring between Thursday and Saturday. While conditions are forecast to ease off on Monday, with wind speeds dropping and rainfall decreasing significantly, yellow and orange warnings remain active for several islands. Some schools in El Hierro, La Gomera, and parts of Tenerife will stay closed as a precaution, with impacts lingering into early next week.
