Authorities activate emergency measures to safeguard residents and tourists from severe weather conditions.
Category: Travel
Authorities in Tenerife have declared an island-wide emergency as Storm Therese, the 19th named storm of the 2025-26 season, makes landfall, bringing with it dangerous weather conditions. The Island Emergency Plan (PEIN) was activated on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at 3 PM local time, prompting widespread closures and travel warnings.
Island president Rosa Dávila emphasized that the measures were implemented to protect public safety. "We are taking these precautions to ensure the safety of both residents and visitors," she stated. The storm is expected to bring winds exceeding 62 mph (100 km/h), heavy rainfall, and even snow at higher altitudes, particularly affecting the mountainous regions of the island.
Since the activation of the PEIN, several restrictions have been enforced. The TF-445 road leading to Punta de Teno has been closed, along with access to hiking trails, forest tracks, and recreational areas. Teide National Park is also closed due to snowfall starting from 1,800 meters (approximately 5,900 feet). The authorities have urged both residents and tourists to avoid unnecessary travel and to stay updated with official announcements.
On Thursday, March 19, schools across Tenerife, La Palma, La Gomera, and El Hierro will close, with classes shifting to online formats. The popular Maspalomas Carnival in Gran Canaria, scheduled to run from March 10 to March 22, has also been postponed due to the storm.
Weather forecasts indicate that some areas could see rainfall exceeding 300 liters per square meter, significantly increasing the risk of flooding. Spain's national meteorological agency, AEMET, has issued multiple weather warnings across all seven Canary Islands. Orange-level alerts for wind are in effect for La Palma and Tenerife, while yellow warnings are issued for Gran Canaria, La Gomera, El Hierro, Lanzarote, and Fuerteventura.
In addition to high winds, yellow warnings for rain cover La Palma, El Hierro, La Gomera, Tenerife, and Gran Canaria, with expected accumulations of 15 to 20 mm in one hour and 60 mm over 12 hours. Coastal areas are also under yellow warnings, with waves expected to reach heights of 13 to 16 feet (4-5 meters), and in some regions like La Palma and El Hierro, waves could reach up to 20 feet (6 meters).
Blanca Pérez, Tenerife’s councillor for Security and Emergencies, noted that the goal is to anticipate emergencies and respond quickly. "We are closely monitoring the situation and have deployed emergency resources to ensure safety," she said. More than 1,000 responders are currently on alert across the island, coordinated through the Island Operational Coordination Centre (Cecopin) and in collaboration with the regional emergency service 112.
As the storm progresses, meteorologists warn that it could become the most intense weather event to hit the Canary Islands in over a decade. The peak impact is expected on Thursday and Friday, March 19-20, 2026, particularly in western Tenerife, from Santiago del Teide to Arico, where the storm is projected to be most severe.
Authorities have advised residents to exercise maximum caution, especially in flood-prone areas like ravines, and to limit travel to essential journeys only. They are also urging people to secure loose outdoor items that could become projectiles in high winds.
The government has declared pre-alert situations for storms, wind, flooding, coastal conditions, and rain across all islands. This includes warnings for residents and tourists to follow self-protection advice during extreme weather, such as avoiding unnecessary journeys and securing loose objects.
With the potential for significant disruption, Tenerife's emergency response systems are being tested as they brace for what could be one of the most severe storms in recent history. Local councils across the island have activated their municipal emergency plans, closing off vulnerable areas and ensuring that emergency services are ready to respond to any incidents.
As Storm Therese continues to develop, the authorities remain vigilant, closely monitoring conditions and adjusting their response as necessary. Residents and visitors are reminded to stay informed through official channels and to take all necessary precautions to ensure their safety.
The situation is fluid, and updates will be provided as the storm progresses. For now, the emphasis is on safety, preparedness, and community resilience in the face of nature's unpredictable fury.