Mount Teide closed as Storm Emilia brings rare graupel and severe weather to Tenerife
Access to Mount Teide has been prohibited and the Masca Valley closed as Storm Emilia brings severe and unusual weather conditions to Tenerife, including strong winds, heavy rain, dangerous seas and a rare form of wintry precipitation known as graupel.
The measures were announced by the Tenerife Cabildo as part of a wider response to the storm, which has prompted the Canary Islands Government to declare a maximum alert for weather-related risks, particularly coastal phenomena.
Teide and protected natural areas closed
The Cabildo ordered a complete ban on access and movement along all tracks, trails, paths and off-road areas within Tenerife’s Protected Natural Spaces from 3:00pm on Friday. This includes the prohibition of climbing Mount Teide and access to high-altitude zones.
The decision was taken due to the high risk of landslides, falling trees, flooding, strong winds and icy conditions, all of which pose a serious danger to the public.
In addition:
- Camping, camping areas and recreational zones within protected areas are closed
- The measures affect residents, visitors, businesses and public bodies
- Only authorised technical and emergency personnel are exempt
Masca Valley closed to the Public
The Masca Valley, one of Tenerife’s most popular hiking routes, has been closed due to the risk of flash flooding and rockfalls. As part of the safety measures, public transport services to Barranco de Masca and Punta de Teno have been temporarily suspended while the resolution remains in force. Authorities are strongly advising people to avoid unnecessary travel, especially in rural, mountainous and coastal areas.
Not snow or hail: graupel expected on Teide
While snow is forecast for Tenerife’s highest peaks, what is expected to cover Mount Teide this weekend is not traditional snow. According to Vicky Palma, head of the Risk Analysis and Operational Planning Unit of the Canary Islands Government, speaking on Radio Canaria, the precipitation will mainly be graupel.
“It’s not snowflakes, but something more like hail,” she explained. Graupel consists of small, soft ice pellets formed when supercooled water droplets freeze onto snowflakes as they fall. It is:
- Lighter and softer than hail
- Heavier and more slippery than snow
- Common with thunderstorms in unstable, windy, high-altitude conditions
Due to Teide’s altitude and unique atmospheric conditions, graupel is more frequent than classic snowfall during winter storms.
Increased danger despite white landscapes
Although the sight of a white Teide often attracts visitors, authorities warn that graupel combined with strong winds, frost and poor visibility can make conditions extremely hazardous. Roads, paths and volcanic rock surfaces can become dangerously slippery in a short period of time.
Advice for British residents and tourists
Authorities urge everyone to:
- Respect all closures and access bans
- Avoid ravines, mountains and forested areas
- Stay well away from coastal zones during the storm
- Follow official updates from local authorities
British tourists are reminded that ignoring restrictions can put lives at risk and may result in fines or rescue costs. The closures and warnings will remain in place until weather conditions improve and the alert level is lowered.
Further updates are expected as Storm Emilia continues to impact Tenerife and the rest of the Canary Islands.
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