Storm Therese hits the Spanish archipelago with winds of 90 km/h and risk of severe flooding

The frontal system called storm Therese advances over the Ilhas Canárias archipelago, imposing an extremely severe meteorological scenario for the region. The approach of this front of atmospheric instability brings with it forecasts of exceptional amounts of precipitation, drastically changing the routine of a place usually known for its mild and stable climate throughout the year.

Government authorities and civil protection services have established strict security protocols to protect the physical integrity of residents and the vast floating population of tourists. The mobilization covers different levels of public administration, which act in a coordinated manner to mitigate the risks associated with extreme weather events predicted for the coming days.

The situation of instability directly and immediately affects urban mobility, port operations and the provision of essential services on several islands in Spanish territory. Meteorological models indicate the possibility of accumulation of up to 400 liters of water per square meter in specific sectors, accompanied by intense gusts of wind and snowfall in higher altitude areas.

Government reactions and blockades in environmental preservation zones

The first consequences of the instability front resulted in immediate preventive actions by the public administration, especially in areas of greatest topographic vulnerability. Em Tenerife, emergency teams determined to completely block access to Parque Nacional of Teide and Serra of Simultaneamente, the organization of the race

The closure of parks and natural reserves occurs due to the high susceptibility of these areas to rockslides and large tree falls. Security teams isolated the most frequented tourist perimeters in the first hours of the alert, seeking to eliminate the risk of unsuspecting tourists being exposed to adverse weather conditions in places difficult to access for rescue and rescue operations.

To ensure the effectiveness of these measures, security forces implemented specific tactics on the ground:
– Patrulhamento continuous road access to the mountains.
– Instalação of police barriers at strategic intersection points.
– Restrição absolute traffic on isolated routes during precipitation peaks.

Meteorological forecasts point to exceptional volumes of precipitation

The state meteorological service Aemet raised the alert level to category two, indicating a real and imminent danger of heavy rain in a large part of the island territory. The technical forecast points to a continuous worsening of atmospheric conditions, requiring absolute readiness from local civil defenses.

A secondary cold front crosses the archipelago simultaneously, which intensifies the formation of heavy clouds over the ocean Atlântico. Este frontal system causes continuous rain showers, drastic reduction in visibility and localized thunderstorms that directly affect commercial aviation.

For the island of La Palma and the southern and western regions of the higher islands, the data processed by climate prediction supercomputers is even more critical. Aemet calculates rainfall volumes of 20 to 30 liters per square meter in just one hour in these specific locations.

Meteorologists explain that the islands’ orography acts as a natural obstacle that forces humid air from the ocean to rise. Esse topographic phenomenon enhances the formation of clouds with great vertical development and, consequently, generates much more intense rainfall than in flat areas.

Sea agitation and wind strength in coastal areas

Initial weather warnings covered multiple islands in the archipelago, with a special focus on the strength of the winds accompanying the low pressure system. Tenerife, La Palma, El Hierro and Gran Canaria recorded the storm’s first significant impacts along their coastal reaches.

Measuring stations project gusts that could exceed the 70 kilometers per hour mark in coastal areas and open areas. Esse level of wind force compromises the stability of temporary structures, light roofs and requires the immediate fixing of loose objects on residential balconies.

In the ocean, the formation of waves up to five meters high in the western islands activated maximum maritime safety protocols. Small and medium-sized shipping received express orders to return to ports immediately, while the coast guard intensified visual patrols along the coast.

Soil saturation increases the likelihood of landslides

Rainfall accumulation over a twelve-hour period can vary between 40 and 60 liters per square meter in much of the territory affected by storm Therese. However, mathematical models indicate that specific points in the local geography can record totals in excess of 200 liters per square meter. Essa massive amount of water in a short space of time quickly overloads urban drainage systems, storm sewers and natural river basins, creating a scenario conducive to rapid and dangerous floods that can sweep away vehicles and invade the ground floors of homes and commercial establishments.

The predicted volume of precipitation substantially increases the probability of landslides, especially on the steep slopes and mountainous regions that characterize the volcanic relief of the Ilhas Canárias. Soil saturation compromises the stability of land roads, putting at risk the road infrastructure that connects local communities to larger urban centers. Traffic authorities advise drivers to avoid unnecessary movements, to maintain a safe distance from vehicles in front and to pay extra attention on sections subject to falling barriers and accumulation of mud on the roadway.

Operational changes in the transport network and hotel sector

The local economy, heavily dependent on international and domestic tourist activity, records significant changes in its daily operations due to the passage of storm Therese. Airlines operating at the archipelago’s airports continuously monitor visibility conditions and the strength of crosswinds on runways, which is already resulting in scheduled delays and the real possibility of cancellations of commercial flights to ensure the absolute safety of aircraft and passengers. In the maritime sector, companies responsible for ferry boats that carry out the essential crossing of people and cargo between the islands have temporarily suspended their trips due to the strong sea agitation and the risk of navigation accidents. Agências tourism agencies have canceled guided excursions to mountain areas, ecological trails and boat trips, while hotel administrations advise guests to remain indoors and avoid pool and beach areas. Residents’ routines are also undergoing profound changes, with the suspension of classes at educational institutions, the temporary closure of non-essential businesses and the need to prepare for possible failures in telecommunications services and drinking water supply.

Drop in temperature causes ice to accumulate on highways

In addition to torrential rain and intense winds, the sharp drop in temperatures in the highest areas of Tenerife and La Palma favors precipitation in the form of snow. The rapid accumulation of ice on the roads requires the immediate use of specialized machinery, such as snow plows, to clear the roads and restricts traffic only to emergency vehicles strictly equipped with safety tire chains.

Uninterrupted mobilization of local emergency teams

Island administrations activated their contingency plans at maximum level, mobilizing fire battalions, police forces and medical rescue teams to act on multiple simultaneous fronts. The contingent of security professionals works on extended shifts to ensure a prompt response to any calls from the population.

Rigorous technical inspections take place on critical infrastructures, such as drainage networks, bridges and slope retaining walls. The objective of these inspections is to identify points of structural failure before the storm worsens, preventing collapses that could isolate entire communities.

Safety protocols for the resident population

Official government communication advises the population to stay away from balconies, secure objects that could be thrown by the wind and follow weather reports updated by local radio stations. Climate monitoring continues uninterruptedly until the frontal system completely dissipates over the ocean.

Hospitals and health centers operate with generators on standby to ensure uninterrupted service in the event of interruptions in the electrical supply. The authorities reinforce that the alert phase will remain active until rainfall levels and wind speeds return to levels considered safe for the normal movement of people and vehicles on the islands.