STORM THERESE UPDATE: All the weather warnings for the next 72 hours
The State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) has updated its weather warnings for the Canary Islands, with severe conditions expected over the next 72 hours as Storm Therese to be the worst storm the islands have experienced since 2013.
The active weather warnings include heavy rain, very strong winds, snowfall on higher ground, and rough seas, with several islands under important orange alerts.
Here are the alerts and where they impact:
Thursday 19th March: Heavy rain begins
The first effects are being felt across Tenerife, the western islands, and Gran Canaria.
- Rain: Orange (amber) warnings are in place in parts of Gran Canaria (east, south, west and higher areas), with up to 80mm of rain expected in 12 hours. Other islands including Tenerife, La Palma, La Gomera and El Hierro are under yellow alerts, with similar totals possible.
- Wind: Orange warnings in La Palma highlands and northern Tenerife, with gusts of up to 90 km/h, possibly exceeding 100 km/h in exposed areas.
- Snow: Around 2cm of snow has already fallen at altitudes above 1,800–1,900 metres in Tenerife and La Palma.
- Sea conditions: Orange alerts for El Hierro and western La Palma, with waves reaching 5 to 6 metres.
Friday 20th March: Peak of the storm
Conditions are expected to worsen, with the most intense phase of the storm.
- Rain: Orange alerts expand across La Palma, El Hierro, La Gomera and southern Tenerife, with up to 100mm in 12 hours. Gran Canaria remains under amber warning for 80mm. Isolated thunderstorms and small hail are also possible.
- Wind: Gusts of around 90 km/h continue across high areas of several islands.
- Sea conditions: Dangerous conditions between Tenerife and Gran Canaria, with winds reaching force 8 (up to 74 km/h) and waves up to 6 metres.
Saturday 21st March: Storm continues
Although conditions may begin to ease slightly, significant disruption is still expected.
- Rain: Orange alerts remain in place for Tenerife and La Palma (100mm) and Gran Canaria (80mm). El Hierro and La Gomera drop to yellow warnings.
- Wind: Strong gusts of up to 90 km/h are expected to continue, with peaks over 100 km/h possible in Tenerife’s highlands.
- Sea conditions: Some improvement is expected, but yellow warnings remain for rough seas and winds, with waves still reaching up to 5 metres.
Advice for residents and visitors
AEMET has warned that the probability of these conditions ranges between 40% and 70%, and is urging people to stay updated with official alerts.
Residents and tourists are advised to:
- avoid unnecessary travel during severe weather
- take extra care in coastal and mountainous areas
- follow guidance from local authorities
Storm Therese is expected to remain a significant weather event across the Canary Islands over the coming days.
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