Spain’s Canary Islands, especially Tenerife and La Palma, are currently facing disruptions due to Storm Therese, prompting some individuals to reconsider their travel plans. The storm is generating a mix of heavy rain, 100 km/h (62 mph) winds, and even snow at higher elevations, leading to a state of emergency declaration in Tenerife. This weather event is described as one of the most intense storms to hit the region in over a decade, with ongoing alerts issued by Spain’s meteorological agency, AEMET.
Orange warnings for high wind speeds and heavy rainfall have been issued for northern Tenerife and parts of La Palma, while yellow warnings are in place across all seven islands for rain, thunderstorms, and rough seas. Notably, Mount Teide and surrounding peaks above 1,800–2,000 meters are experiencing significant snowfall, a rare occurrence for this time of year.
Many tourists in Tenerife have expressed their eagerness to return home amidst the disruptive weather conditions. A local resident, known as @theknightstrider1 on TikTok, shared insights on the erratic weather patterns in the area, highlighting the sudden shifts between heavy rain and sunshine.
The storm has led to flight cancellations and operational challenges at Tenerife airports, causing inconvenience for travelers. The disruptions have sparked concerns among holidaymakers, with some opting to cancel or reschedule their trips. The impact of Storm Therese is expected to gradually diminish by Monday, March 23, although certain weather warnings will persist in the affected areas for a few more days.
Despite the ongoing effects of the storm, improvements in weather conditions are anticipated, with winds subsiding and rainfall decreasing by Monday. However, cautionary measures remain in place, including school closures in specific areas as a safety precaution. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation and advising residents and visitors to stay informed about the evolving weather conditions.