Meteorologists are warning that Storm Therese could become the most intense weather event to affect the Canary Islands in the past 13 years, raising serious concerns across the archipelago and prompting authorities to activate emergency measures in anticipation of its arrival.
In response to the forecast, the Tenerife Island Council (Cabildo de Tenerife) has announced the activation of its Island Emergency Plan (PEIN) from 3:00 pm this Wednesday, with the measures expected to remain in place at least until Sunday. The decision comes as weather experts caution that “a phenomenon of this magnitude has not been seen for many years”, according to the president of the Cabildo, Rosa Dávila.
Widespread alerts and high-impact forecasts
At present, the Canary Islands are under alert for strong winds and adverse coastal conditions, alongside a pre-alert for heavy rainfall. Forecast models indicate that Tenerife will be one of the islands most severely affected, particularly across its western half, from Santiago del Teide to Arico, although impacts are also expected in the north and at higher altitudes.
Authorities have warned of wind gusts reaching up to 100 km/h, accumulated rainfall exceeding 300 litres per square metre, and snowfall in high mountain areas, including Mount Teide. Coastal areas are also expected to face significant wave heights of up to five metres, coinciding with spring tides, increasing the risk of coastal flooding.
Given the severity of the forecast, residents are being urged to exercise maximum caution, avoid flood-prone areas such as ravines, and limit travel to essential journeys only.
Peak impact expected from Thursday
According to the State Meteorological Agency (Aemet), the most critical period is likely to occur on Thursday and Friday, when the storm is expected to reach peak intensity. However, officials have not ruled out continued disruption into the weekend, with Saturday and Sunday also potentially affected.
Weather projections suggest that the storm system will remain centred over the western part of the archipelago, placing Tenerife directly in its path and increasing the likelihood of sustained adverse conditions.
Preventive measures and event cancellations
As a precaution, all outdoor cultural, sporting and public events have been suspended, including the well-known Tenerife Bluetrail race.
Access has also been restricted in high-risk areas, including the road to Punta de Teno, as well as hiking trails, forest tracks, recreational zones and high mountain regions such as Teide National Park and other protected natural spaces.
Local councils across the island have activated their municipal emergency plans, implementing measures to close off vulnerable areas and prevent access where necessary.
Reinforced monitoring and emergency deployment
Authorities have intensified monitoring and preventive actions in key risk zones. This includes increased surveillance of coastal areas, inspection and clearing of ravines and drainage systems, and securing street furniture and loose objects that could be displaced by strong winds.
In preparation for the storm, the Cabildo has mobilised all available human and material resources, including forest firefighting teams, road maintenance crews and emergency personnel.
More than 1,000 responders are currently on alert across Tenerife, coordinated through the Island Operational Coordination Centre (Cecopin), working in conjunction with the regional emergency service 112, the Canary Islands Emergency Coordination Centre (Cecoe) and local municipal teams.
Authorities urge maximum caution
Officials have reiterated the importance of strict public compliance with safety recommendations, particularly avoiding unnecessary travel and staying away from coastal zones and flood-prone areas during the peak of the storm.
With the potential for significant disruption and hazardous conditions, the coming days are expected to test emergency response systems across the island, as Tenerife braces for what could be one of the most severe storms in over a decade.
