Canary Islands Weather Crisis: A Look at Increasing Extreme Events
The Canary Islands are currently grappling with severe weather conditions brought by Storm Therese, impacting Tenerife and Gran Canaria most acutely. As of Wednesday, March 25, 2026, Gran Canaria remains at crisis level 2, while Tenerife has been downgraded to level 1. This situation highlights a growing trend of extreme weather events affecting the archipelago.
Escalating Risks: Flooding, Landslides, and Infrastructure Strain
Recent days have seen widespread flooding and landslides across the islands, particularly in northern Tenerife. Evacuations have been necessary, including the temporary relocation of 25 people from El Pris, Tacoronte, due to landslide risks. Significant road closures, including a major blockage on TF-12 between San Andrés and Las Canteras, are disrupting transportation. Approximately 2500 customers are experiencing power outages due to damage to power lines.
Gran Canaria is facing challenges with overfilled dams, requiring controlled releases of water that have exacerbated flooding in downstream areas. Residents near the Ayagaures dam were briefly evacuated as a precaution.
Disrupted Travel and Essential Services
The storm has caused significant disruption to travel. While Tenerife’s northern airport experienced diversions of 26 flights on Tuesday, air traffic has now returned to normal. However, the broader impact on tourism and local economies remains a concern. Syketransport is limited to acute cases, indicating the strain on emergency services.
Unpredictable Storm Behavior and Future Preparedness
Authorities note that Storm Therese’s behavior has been atypical, deviating from predicted models. This unpredictability underscores the challenges in forecasting and preparing for extreme weather events. The storm’s prolonged presence near the islands is too unusual, suggesting a shift in weather patterns.
The Canary Islands government is urging residents to stay informed, avoid unnecessary travel, and adhere to safety guidelines issued by emergency services. The potential for further landslides even after rainfall ceases remains a significant risk due to saturated ground conditions.
Data on Rainfall and Impact
Izana, located high on Mount Teide in Tenerife, recorded 118 millimeters of rainfall between midnight and 9:30 AM local time. Roque de Los Muchachos on La Palma received 86.2 millimeters during the same period. Previous rainfall totals on Tuesday included 242.8 millimeters at Roque de Los Muchachos, 118.6 millimeters in El Paso (La Palma), and over 100 millimeters in Valleseco and Teror (Gran Canaria) and Tacoronte (Tenerife).
The Broader Context: Climate Change and Island Vulnerability
While not explicitly stated, the increasing frequency and intensity of these events raise concerns about the impact of climate change on the Canary Islands. Island ecosystems are particularly vulnerable to extreme weather, and the economic reliance on tourism makes the region especially susceptible to disruptions.
FAQ
Q: What are the current emergency levels?
A: Gran Canaria is at crisis level 2, while Tenerife is at level 1.
Q: What areas have been most affected?
A: Northern Tenerife has experienced the most significant impact, with flooding and landslides reported in La Orotava, Puerto de la Cruz, Los Realejos, Tacoronte, and La Matanza.
Q: Is travel currently disrupted?
A: While Tenerife’s northern airport has resumed normal operations, travelers should expect potential disruptions and check with airlines for updates.
Q: What should residents do?
A: Residents are advised to stay informed, avoid unnecessary travel, and follow instructions from emergency services.
Q: What is the status of the Ayagaures dam?
A: Residents who were evacuated from areas near the Ayagaures dam have been allowed to return home.
Did you recognize? The Canary Islands are a volcanic archipelago, making them particularly susceptible to geological hazards in addition to extreme weather events.
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