Authorities in Tenerife activated the Island Emergency Plan on Wednesday afternoon (Image: Getty)
An island-wide emergency has been declared on Tenerife on Wednesday, with events cancelled and travel warnings issued. Authorities in Tenerife have declared an island-wide emergency as Storm Therese – the 19th named storm of the 2025-26 season – hits the island, bringing with it the risk of severe weather, including winds of over 62mph (100km/h), heavy rainfall and even snow in parts.
The Cabildo has activated the Island Emergency Plan (PEIN) from 3pm local time on Wednesday, triggering widespread closures, restrictions and the suspension of outdoor activities, including across the Canary Islands. The decision follows forecasts of dangerous conditions, particularly in exposed and mountainous areas. Island president Rosa Dávila said the measures had been put in place in advance to protect public safety.
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Both residents and tourists are being urged to avoid unnecessary travel and follow official updates (Image: Getty)
Since 3pm, several restrictions have been in place, including the closure of the TF-445 road leading to Punta de Teno, a ban on access to hiking trails, forest tracks and recreational areas and the closure of Teide National Park due to snow from an altitude of 5,900 feet (1,800m), according to Canarian Weekly.
Both residents and tourists are being urged to avoid unnecessary travel and follow official updates throughout the day. On Thursday, schools will be closed, with classes held online in Tenerife, La Palma, La Gomera and El Hierro throughout the day, wth measures implemented from the afternoon and evening onwards in Gran Canaria, according to Maspalomas24h. The Maspalomas Carnival in Gran Canaria, open from March 10 to March 22, has also been postponed.
According to the Tenerife Cabildo, the north of the island, the south-west and higher ground are expected to be the most affected. The stretch between Santiago del Teide and Arico has been highlighted as particularly vulnerable.
The metropolitan area, including Santa Cruz and La Laguna, may also experience disruption, although impacts there are expected to be less severe. Weather forecasts warn that rainfall could exceed 300 litres per square metre in some areas, significantly increasing the risk of flooding.
Spain’s meteorological agency (AEMET) has issued several weather warnings for Thursday (Image: AEMET)
According to the Spanish state meteorological agency, AEMET, weather warnings are in place across all seven Canary Islands on Thursday (March 19), including some orange-level alerts. High risk (orange) alerts for wind will be in effect for La Palma and Tenerife, with lower yellow warnings in place for Gran Canaria, La Gomera, El Hierro, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura.
Yellow warnings for rain cover La Palma, El Hierro, La Gomera, Tenerife and Gran Canaria, with accumulations of up to 15–20 mm in 1 hour and 60 mm in 12 hours expected. All islands are also under yellow warnings for rough seas, with waves of 13 to 16 feet (4-5m) expected. In some areas like La Palma and El Hierro, the sea state may be even more severe with waves potentially reaching 20 feet (16m).
A pre-alert for snow is active for the peaks of Tenerife and La Palma above 5,900 feet, while a general pre-alert for storms is in place across the archipelago, with the possibility of isolated lightning and small hail.
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