Storm Therese is currently causing chaos in the Canary Islands, particularly impacting Tenerife and La Palma, with a rare combination of heavy rainfall, 100 km/h (62 mph) winds, and notable snowfall at elevated areas. Tenerife has been placed under a state of emergency, as it faces one of the most intense storms to hit the region in more than ten years.
Spain‘s meteorological agency, AEMET, has issued various alerts that will be active over the weekend. Orange (high risk) warnings have been issued for northern Tenerife and sections of La Palma due to wind speeds of 90–100 km/h and heavy precipitation. Additionally, yellow warnings have been issued across all seven islands for rain, thunderstorms, and rough seas with waves up to 6 meters (20 feet) high.
Unusual for this time of the year, considerable snowfall has covered Mount Teide and neighboring peaks above 1,800–2,000 meters.
The storm has resulted in widespread flight cancellations and safety closures throughout the islands. By Friday, March 20, over 40 flights were either canceled or redirected, mainly at Tenerife North and South airports. Travelers are advised to monitor their flight status through Flightradar24 or their respective airlines.
Schools and universities in Tenerife, Gran Canaria, and several other islands were closed on Thursday and Friday, while major roads, including access to Teide National Park and the TF-445 to Punta de Teno, are shut down due to icy conditions and snowfall.
Significant international events such as the Tenerife Bluetrail 2026 race have been canceled or postponed.