Tourists Devastated as Storm Therese Batters Tenerife, Disrupting Long-Awaited Holidays
Holidaymakers who saved diligently for a sunny escape to Tenerife have been left furious and disappointed, as Storm Therese unleashes severe weather across the Canary Islands. Instead of the anticipated warmth and sunshine, visitors are confronting dreary conditions, flight cancellations, and even snow alerts, with the chaos predicted to persist for several more days.
Unprecedented Weather Chaos Hits Popular Destination
Typically in March, Tenerife enjoys mild temperatures ranging from 16 to 22 degrees Celsius, serving as a prelude to Spain's bustling summer season. However, Storm Therese has shattered expectations, bringing unexpectedly cold temperatures, gloomy skies, and disruptive elements. TikTok user @seb_tenerife, currently residing on the island, expressed disbelief, noting, "This might be the first or second of four bad days of weather. A storm—what is going on? It's meant to have the best climate in Europe, and now we're four days into a storm."
He added that tourists have been contacting him for updates, but the forecast remains volatile, shifting frequently and leaving uncertainty about any imminent improvement. Social media reactions highlight broader concerns, with one user attributing the erratic weather to climate change, while others shared experiences of colder-than-usual visits in recent years.
Severe Warnings and Travel Disruption Escalate
The Canary Islands are under an orange weather alert following days of heavy rain and strong winds, with forecasters warning that miserable conditions could drag on for at least another five days. This has potentially ruined holiday plans for many Brits abroad. Shocking scenes in Tenerife include the usually sun-soaked hotspot covered in snow, with icicles forming in some areas and stunned tourists filming whiteout conditions in Teide National Park, where several roads have been forced to close.
Snow is expected to continue falling at elevations above 1,800 to 2,000 metres as Storm Therese continues to lash the islands. Torrential rain has already triggered flash flooding and landslides in some regions, compounding the crisis. Warnings have been issued for multiple types of extreme weather, including storms, flooding, strong winds, heavy rainfall, and dangerous waves. Wind gusts have exceeded a staggering 74mph in places, far from the sunshine holidaymakers anticipated.
Flight Cancellations and Safety Measures Implemented
The wild weather has caused significant travel chaos, with at least seven flights cancelled or diverted on Thursday alone, following 36 cancellations the previous day. Conditions are expected to worsen on Friday, potentially marking the peak of Storm Therese. Orange rain alerts remain in place for Tenerife, El Hierro, La Palma, and La Gomera, with forecasters predicting up to 111mm of rain within 12 hours in some areas. Gran Canaria is under an amber alert, with up to 80mm expected.
Sea conditions are also turning dangerous, particularly between Tenerife and Gran Canaria, where waves could reach up to six metres alongside force eight winds. While the storm may ease slightly on Saturday, disruption is still anticipated, with orange alerts persisting for Tenerife and La Palma and winds of up to 55mph set to continue. Authorities have urged tourists and locals to avoid unnecessary travel, stay away from coastal and mountainous areas, and follow official guidance. Schools across the islands have been forced to close until conditions improve, adding to the widespread impact of this severe weather event.
