Storm Emilia continues to cause disruption across Tenerife, leaving 85 reported incidents overnight, most of them linked to the severe winds sweeping the island. Since Friday at 3:00 p.m., Tenerife has remained under Maximum Alert through activation of the Insular Territorial Emergency Plan (PEIN).
According to the Tenerife Island Council, the majority of incidents involved fallen trees, toppled fences, damaged streetlights, displaced street furniture and debris obstructing roads. Despite the volume of incidents, no serious injuries have been reported.
Rescue operation off La Arenita beach
One of the most notable incidents occurred on Friday afternoon, when emergency teams rescued a person who had been swept approximately 100 metres out to sea near La Arenita beach in El Palmar. The rescue, coordinated by the Tenerife Fire Brigade with support from Maritime Rescue, was carried out successfully.
A temporary shelter with space for 20 people was also set up in Puerto de la Cruz, although only one individual ultimately required accommodation.
Storm Emilia intensifies: Saturday expected to be the most severe day
The impact of Storm Emilia has already been felt across the island, with powerful winds, wintry weather at high altitudes and significant rainfall recorded in several municipalities.
Key readings include:
- Winds consistently above 60 km/h in mid-altitude zones
- Wind gusts reaching 146 km/h in Izaña
- Sub-zero temperatures in Teide National Park, dropping to –1.5ºC
- Sleet and ice layers up to 5 cm thick in El Portillo
- More than 40 mm of rain in municipalities such as Arico and El Rosario
The storm is also affecting transport: seven flight cancellations and one diversion have been recorded across Canary Islands airports due to adverse weather.
According to AEMET, Saturday will mark the peak of the storm, with:
- Wind gusts exceeding 90 km/h at higher elevations
- Persistent, heavy rain accompanied by thunderstorms
- A significant deterioration of sea conditions, especially along the northern and western coasts
Authorities urge caution as alerts remain active
Blanca Pérez, the island councillor for Environment, Sustainability, Safety and Emergencies, noted that the number and nature of the recorded incidents fall within what was expected for a storm of this magnitude. She again urged residents to respect current restrictions and follow official guidance.
Essential services
Basic services remain operational across Tenerife:
- Power supply: isolated outages reported in Tegueste, La Laguna, La Esperanza and Llano del Moro
- Transport: air and sea travel largely unaffected, with only minor disruptions
Iván Martín, Director of Security and Emergencies, confirmed that 374 personnel were deployed overnight, with reinforcements stationed in the most vulnerable zones. Additionally, the Island Water Council continues to monitor flood-prone areas using active sensors, none of which have detected significant rises so far.
Preventive measures remain in force
To minimise risks, the Tenerife Island Council is maintaining all previously announced restrictions:
- Closure of tracks, trails and access points to Protected Natural Areas
- Prohibition of staying in camping areas, recreational zones or campsites
- Suspension of public transport services to Barranco de Masca and Punta de Teno
- Closure of access roads to Mount Teide
- Closure of the TF-42 road in Garachico
- Suspension of all Council-organised public activities since Friday at 8 p.m.
Authorities continue to stress the importance of avoiding unnecessary travel, staying informed through official channels and following all safety instructions while the PEIN remains active.
