Storm Emilia to batter the Canaries with heavy rain, gale-force winds, rough seas, thunderstorms and snow
A powerful Atlantic storm named Emilia is heading to the Canary Islands, and will bring severe weather to the archipelago from tomorrow, Friday, according to Spain’s national weather agency, AEMET. The system is expected to generate intense rainfall, gale-force winds, heavy swell, thunderstorms and snowfall on the highest peaks.
Emilia is the fifth named storm of the season. Its centre will position itself between mainland Spain and the Canaries from Friday night into Saturday, sharply worsening weather conditions across the Archipelago. The storm will also bring heavy rain to parts of southern mainland Spain.
AEMET’s update, published today, Thursday, explains that a cold Atlantic front will reach western Spain on Friday before crossing into the Canary Islands from midday. As the associated low deepens, it will evolve into Storm Emilia and remain between the Gulf of Cádiz and the islands from Friday through to Sunday.
Saturday will be the worst day
On Saturday (13th December), very strong northerly gusts of wind exceeding 90 km/h are expected on the higher ground of the mountainous islands.
Heavy showers, hail and thunderstorms are also forecast, especially on the northern slopes of Tenerife, Gran Canaria, La Palma and La Gomera. On El Hierro, rainfall totals could surpass 60mm in just 12 hours.
The most intense rain will fall overnight and on Saturday morning in Lanzarote, Fuerteventura and Gran Canaria, and from midday onwards in Tenerife, La Palma, La Gomera and El Hierro. Snow is expected on the highest peaks of Tenerife, La Palma and Gran Canaria.
Maritime conditions will deteriorate sharply across all island waters, with winds of force 8 and combined waves reaching around six metres, especially on Saturday.
AEMET warnings: island by island
AEMET has activated orange and yellow alerts in every island for wind, rain, snow, thunderstorms and coastal conditions on Friday and Saturday.
Here is a summary of all the weather warnings issued:
TENERIFE
Orange alerts:
- Friday: Rough seas (force 8) on east, south and west coasts.
- Saturday: Winds up to 90 km/h in the north; rough seas (5–6m waves) around most coasts.
Yellow alerts:
- Friday: Strong winds (80 km/h) and rough seas (4–5m).
- Saturday: Heavy rain (up to 60mm in 12h), light snow on high ground, thunderstorms, and winds up to 70 km/h elsewhere.
GRAN CANARIA
Orange alerts:
- Saturday: 90 km/h gusts on the summits and rough seas with waves of 5–6m (occasionally 7m).
Yellow alerts:
- Friday: Strong winds (80 km/h) and rough seas.
- Saturday: Winds up to 70 km/h, heavy rain in the north, thunderstorms and light snow on the peaks.
FUERTEVENTURA
Orange alerts:
- Saturday: Rough seas (force 8, waves 5–6m).
Yellow alerts:
- Friday: Rough seas (4–5m).
- Saturday: Heavy rain and thunderstorms.
LANZAROTE
Orange alerts:
- Saturday: Rough seas (force 8, waves 5–6m).
Yellow alerts:
- Friday: Rough seas.
- Saturday: Heavy rain and thunderstorms.
La Palma
Orange alerts:
· Saturday: Rough seas (east and west) and 90 km/h gusts in high areas.
Yellow alerts:
· Friday: Strong winds (80 km/h) and rough seas.
· Saturday: Heavy rain, light snow on peaks, and thunderstorms.
La Gomera
Orange alerts:
· Friday: Rough seas in the channel with Tenerife (force 8).
· Saturday: Island-wide winds up to 90 km/h and waves of 5–6 m.
Yellow alerts:
· Fri: Strong winds (80 km/h) and rough seas.
· Saturday: Heavy rain on the north side and island-wide thunderstorms.
El Hierro
Orange alerts:
· Saturday: Winds up to 90 km/h and rough seas (force 8).
Yellow alerts:
· Friday: Strong winds (80 km/h) and rough seas.
· Saturday: Thunderstorms.
Forecast for the next few days
Conditions are expected to gradually improve from Sunday onwards, with winds and waves easing across the islands. Mainland Spain’s southwest will also see an improvement, although rain may spread to eastern regions.
AEMET will continue updating its forecasts and recommends checking official advisories regularly, especially for those travelling or planning outdoor activities.
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