Mount Teide remains closed as is more than a metre and a half of snow
As forecast, Mount Teide woke up covered in snow with levels not seen since 2016. According to the Cabildo, snow depth has exceeded one and a half metres, covering the entire Ucanca Valley as well as forested areas in Arico, Arafo and Güímar.
The scale of the snowfall has significantly affected access to high-altitude areas, particularly within the Teide National Park which remain closed to the public.
Tenerife’s President, Rosa Dávila, confirmed that while general “normality” is gradually being restored across the island, all access roads to Mount Teide remain closed, along with hiking trails and forest tracks, for safety reasons.
The island’s Roads Department is currently operating snow-clearing machinery, with the aim of removing obstacles and reassessing access to the National Park once conditions allow. Any reopening will depend on safety inspections carried out in the coming days.
Emergency plan expected to be deactivated
The Tenerife Cabildo is due to hold its next coordination meeting this lunchtime, during which the deactivation of the Island Emergency Plan (PEIN) is expected, provided weather conditions continue to improve.
Despite this, island authorities have stressed that emergency services will remain fully operational during the recovery phase.
Storm Emilia has caused widespread disruption across Tenerife, with a total of 584 incidents recorded since the weather system began affecting the island, according to the latest official update from the Cabildo of Tenerife. Most incidents have been linked to strong winds, prompting the activation of the Island Emergency Plan (PEIN).
The Cabildo confirmed that the majority of reported incidents were wind-related, including fallen trees, debris on roads, power disruptions and infrastructure damage. Emergency coordination has been managed through CECOPIN, with constant communication maintained between island authorities and local councils.
In total, 19 municipalities activated their Municipal Emergency Plans (PEMU) and remained in continuous contact to monitor developments and respond quickly as conditions evolved.
Continued caution urged
The Island Councillor for Natural Environment, Sustainability, Security and Emergencies, Blanca Pérez, emphasised that all emergency personnel will remain deployed to ensure safety and help restore normal conditions following the incidents caused by Storm Emilia.
The Cabildo has once again urged residents and visitors to avoid unnecessary travel, stay informed through official channels, and follow instructions from authorities while the emergency plan remains active.
Residents and tourists, particularly those planning trips to Mount Teide or rural areas, are advised to check road and access updates before travelling, as conditions at higher altitudes remain potentially hazardous.
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