Tenerife on maximum alert as Storm forces Teide evacuations
Tenerife has been placed on maximum alert as Storm Therese continues to batter the north of the island, triggering evacuations, road closures, and widespread disruption across key areas, including Mount Teide and the capital, Santa Cruz.
Authorities escalated the situation after intense and persistent rainfall caused dangerous conditions, particularly in higher and mountainous zones. Access to Teide National Park has been shut, with all routes closed and evacuations carried out as a precaution due to snow, flooding risks, and unstable terrain.
Emergency services have been dealing with multiple incidents linked to the storm, including rescues of people trapped in ravines and areas cut off by landslides and falling debris. In some cases, groups have been left isolated after infrastructure damage blocked access routes.
The island’s government (Cabildo) has urged both residents and tourists to avoid unnecessary travel, warning that conditions could worsen quickly. Roads across the island, particularly those leading to higher ground, remain closed, while hiking trails, forest tracks, and recreational areas have also been sealed off for safety reasons.
Storm Therese has brought a rare combination of extreme weather to Tenerife, including torrential rain, strong winds, and even snowfall at higher altitudes. Rainfall totals in some areas have been exceptionally high, increasing the risk of flooding and landslides.
The wider Canary Islands have also been severely affected, with evacuations, travel disruption, and hundreds of weather-related incidents reported across the archipelago. Authorities across the region continue to monitor the situation closely, with emergency plans activated, schools closed, and public events suspended.
For British tourists and residents in Tenerife, officials are advising close attention to local updates and strict adherence to safety guidance, particularly avoiding ravines, coastal areas, and any closed roads or paths.
Although forecasts suggest conditions may begin to ease later in the week, the situation remains volatile, and caution is strongly advised.
Share:
