Storm Olivier has swept through the Canary Islands, drenching the archipelago from El Hierro to Lanzarote causing a range of disruptions. Heavy rainfall led to overflowing drains, road closures due to rockfalls, and delays in air travel.
The storm, which entered the islands from the southwest, brought widespread rain and filled dry ravines, soaking the land throughout Wednesday.
The Atlantic storm had prompted Spain’s State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) to issue an orange-level weather alert for significant rainfall, particularly affecting Tenerife, where a rainy night was expected. However, conditions are forecast to ease gradually from midday today, especially in Tenerife and the western islands.
By 9:00pm last night, notable rainfall levels had been recorded across the archipelago, including 47 litres per square metre in Agaete (Gran Canaria), 39 in El Paso (La Palma), 38 in Tejeda (Gran Canaria), and 36 in Santiago del Teide (Tenerife).
Other affected areas included Tijarafe, Roque de los Muchachos, where hail was reported, and Granadilla de Abona. Rain also fell heavily in northern La Gomera, southern El Hierro, and the Isla Baja region of Tenerife, which saw 26 litres per square metre.
Less Windy than Nuria, but Still Gusty
Unlike the previous storm, Nuria, which brought strong winds, Olivier has been less intense in terms of gusts, at least so far. The strongest winds were recorded in La Frontera (El Hierro) at 75 km/h, Roque de los Muchachos (73 km/h), Vallehermoso (La Gomera, 65 km/h), and Arico (Tenerife, 64 km/h).
çBy contrast, last week’s storm brought gusts exceeding 100 km/h to Tenerife, La Palma, and La Gomera.
Precautions Still Advised
Although no schools have been closed, the Government of the Canary Islands has urged the public to take extra care when travelling by road. People are reminded not to park or drive through ravines, as sudden flooding and run-off water pose serious risks in those areas.
Emergency plans remain in effect across the western islands. In Tenerife, this includes bans on the use of forest trails, recreational areas, and campsites. Ascents to Mount Teide and canyoning activities are also prohibited. Municipalities such as Santa Cruz de Tenerife and La Laguna shut down public facilities and cancelled all activities from 6:30pm on Wednesday.
Weather Outlook
AEMET kept the orange alert for heavy rain in place until 8:00am today, after which it is downgraded to yellow. The yellow alert, which also covers storms and wind, is expected to remain in effect until 8:00pm this evening.
The forecast warns of "locally very heavy rain accompanied by thunderstorms" in the first half of the day, with westerly winds expected to pick up in intensity. Conditions are set to improve by Friday, with no weather alerts in place. However, scattered light to moderate rain is likely in the north and west during the morning.
As Storm Olivier begins to subside, authorities continue to monitor conditions closely while reminding residents and visitors to remain vigilant.
