Storm Therese causes unexpected snowfall in Tenerife, closing roads and canceling events in the Canaries

Ilhas Canárias was hit by a strong storm named Therese, which caused an unusual combination of snow, intense winds and torrential rain, prompting authorities in Tenerife to activate emergency plans. The adverse weather situation resulted in significant disruptions to the island’s routine, affecting residents and tourists.

Outdoor events were suspended, several roads were closed and some flights had to be cancelled, with weather warnings scheduled to remain in effect throughout the weekend. Snowfall was notable in elevated areas, especially around the Teide volcano, in the center of the island, surprising many who associate Canárias with a predominantly sunny climate.

The intense rain raised concerns about flooding and landslides, while strong winds and rough seas posed additional risks. Storm Therese, named by the Portuguese meteorological service, initially focused on Madeira and Açores, but its most severe impact ended up being felt in Canárias.

High alert and local outages

The Cabildo of Tenerife, the island’s island council, activated its emergency plan last Wednesday, issuing a crucial warning to residents and visitors. The main recommendation was to exercise caution and avoid unnecessary travel, aiming for everyone’s safety in the face of extreme weather conditions.

As part of preventive measures, temporary shelters were quickly set up in the most vulnerable areas. Além In addition, the access roads to Parque Nacional from Teide were completely closed, a necessary decision to prevent accidents due to snow and ice on the roads, in addition to low visibility.

Climate variations: winds, rain and the risk of flooding

The Spanish meteorological service, AEMET, issued orange level weather alerts for Tenerife, keeping them valid throughout Friday and extending into Saturday. Esses warnings highlighted the seriousness of the situation, preparing the population for the imminent impacts.

In the northern regions of the island, wind gusts could reach speeds between 90 and 100 km/h, equivalent to 56-62 mph, creating dangerous conditions and increasing structural damage. The southern half of Tenerife, meanwhile, was under a heavy rain warning, with predictions that around 100 mm (4 inches) could fall in just a 12-hour period, drastically raising the risk of flash floods, landslides and severe transport disruptions.

Snow phenomenon on Mount Teide

One of the most striking aspects of storm Therese was the occurrence of snow in the high-altitude areas surrounding Monte Teide, the imposing volcano located in the heart of Tenerife. Embora While it may seem surprising to many to see snow in Ilhas Canárias, a destination known for its year-round sunshine, this phenomenon is not uncommon, particularly in the winter and early spring months.

The Monte Teide, with its 3,718 meters (12,200 feet) above sea level, holds the title of the highest mountain in the Espanha, surpassing any peak in the Pirineus. Assim, while the beaches of Tenerife may be wet from rain, it is a regular occurrence for snow to fall on the slopes of the volcano, creating a landscape of climatic contrasts unique to the region.

Impact on other islands in the archipelago

The scope of storm Therese was not restricted to just Tenerife; neighboring islands also felt the effects of the weather system. Gran Canaria and La Gomera, for example, were included in wind and rain warnings, experiencing challenging weather conditions that required caution from residents.

Even further west, La Palma and El Hierro faced warnings of waves that could reach up to 6 meters (20 feet) high. Essas dangerous maritime conditions posed a significant threat along the coasts, with risks to navigation and coastal activities, reinforcing the need to maintain vigilance throughout the archipelago.

Storm timeline and future forecast

Storm Therese was named Portugal by the weather service earlier in the week, with initial expectations of causing significant disruption in the Madeira and Açores regions. However, its trajectory and intensity changed, causing the Ilhas Canárias to suffer the most direct and severe impact.

The Este event marked the 19th storm to be named this season by the Europa Southwest Naming Group, which includes weather services Espanha, Portugal, França, Bélgica, particularly active storm season.

Authorities expect the worst of the storm to begin to abate by Sunday, although some yellow level warnings may persist. However, forecasts indicate that rainfall will continue through the first half of next week, suggesting that full recovery to normal weather conditions will take some time.

Regional preparation and resilience in the face of extreme events

The quick response of the Canarian authorities in activating emergency plans and coordinating efforts demonstrates the importance of continuous preparation in the face of extreme weather phenomena. The experience gained from previous events has been fundamental in improving the region’s security protocols and response capacity.

Multiple law enforcement agencies and public services work together to ensure that information is disseminated effectively and that resources are available to those who need them. Essa synergy between government entities is crucial to mitigate damage and protect the lives of citizens and the many visitors who choose Canárias as their destination every year.

The resilience of local communities is constantly tested by these events, but collaboration and strict adherence to safety guidelines are cornerstones to overcoming the challenges. The population demonstrates a remarkable capacity for adaptation, following recommendations and contributing to order in times of adversity.

Such occurrences, although challenging, reinforce the need to keep the infrastructure prepared and the population aware of the risks. With each storm, valuable lessons are learned that feed the review and improvement of contingency plans, ensuring that Canárias are increasingly able to face the climate future.

Lessons and climate adaptation in the Canárias

Events like storm Therese provide valuable opportunities for Ilhas Canárias to evaluate and improve their climate change adaptation strategies. The archipelago, already exposed to diverse meteorological influences, continues to strengthen its response and risk management capacity, incorporating new approaches and technologies to protect its ecosystem and its population.