The Canary Islands have been lashed by hurricane-force winds as squall Dorothea swept through the region. The State Meteorological Agency reported wind gusts of nearly 140 kilometres per hour in Arure, La Gomera, the highest recorded during the storm. Agulo, another town on La Gomera, followed closely with gusts of 135 km/h. Significant wind speeds were also recorded on other islands, such as El Pinar and Frontera on El Hierro, and Puntagorda on La Palma, reaching 105 km/h.
Wide-Scale Damage and Over 100 Incidents
Since last night, the storm has caused over a hundred incidents across the Canary Islands. These include fallen trees, landslides, power outages, and damaged infrastructure. Tenerife has been particularly affected, with over 9,500 residents experiencing power cuts.
Impact on Tenerife
The Island Council of Tenerife has reported extensive disruptions due to the storm:
- Power Outages: A total of 9,574 subscribers lost electricity, with the hardest-hit areas being Los Realejos (4,877), Guía de Isora (2,531), Santa Úrsula (1,100), and La Victoria de Acentejo (1,066). Most connections have since been restored.
- Fire Brigade Interventions: The fire brigade conducted 84 emergency interventions, responding to blocked roads, fallen trees, and damaged property.
- Fires and Blockages: Two stubble fires were reported in La Orotava and La Victoria. Several roads were blocked by fallen trees, branches, walls, and signage, leaving some residents temporarily stranded due to landslides on agricultural roads.
- Extreme Wind Gusts: Winds exceeded 100 km/h in areas such as Las Carboneras (Anaga), El Sauzal, La Victoria, and Santa Úrsula. Gusts of 90 km/h were recorded in the Orotava Valley, with slightly lower speeds around 80 km/h in Punta del Hidalgo (La Laguna), Tamaimo (Santiago del Teide), and Tijoco (Adeje).
The City Council of La Laguna noted that, despite isolated incidents such as fallen branches, telephone poles, and minor landslides in Anaga, the night passed relatively calmly.
Damage on El Hierro
El Hierro also experienced significant damage, with reports of:
- Structural Damage: Roofs were blown off buildings in two locations during the early hours.
- Fires: A fire broke out in the El Matorral area, requiring immediate intervention. Another fire erupted in a supermarket in Las Puntas, Frontera.
- Road Blockages: A large tree fell in Las Chamuscadas, obstructing access. Crews were also deployed to clear a major rockfall on the HI-35 road between Majano and Isora.
Emergency Response Continues
Authorities across the archipelago remain on high alert as strong winds persist in some areas. Emergency crews continue working to restore power, clear debris, and ensure the safety of residents. The Cabildo urges caution, particularly when travelling on rural roads, and advises residents to report any new incidents to local authorities.
Key Wind Speeds Recorded During the Storm
- 140 km/h – Arure (La Gomera)
- 135 km/h – Agulo (La Gomera)
- 105 km/h – El Pinar, Frontera (El Hierro), and Puntagorda (La Palma)
- 100+ km/h – Las Carboneras, El Sauzal, La Victoria, Santa Úrsula (Tenerife)
- 90 km/h – Orotava Valley (Tenerife)
- 80 km/h – Punta del Hidalgo (La Laguna), Tamaimo (Santiago del Teide), Tijoco (Adeje)
As cleanup efforts continue, residents are reminded to exercise caution and stay updated on official advisories.
