The Canary Islands remain under the influence of Storm Therese, which continues to bring unstable weather to the archipelago. The State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) has upgraded the rain warning to orange level in several areas, particularly affecting the more mountainous islands, where heavy rainfall and storm activity are expected to persist.
Heavy rain and thunderstorms expected
According to AEMET, the warning—initially set at yellow level—has been intensified due to the risk of locally heavy and persistent rainfall, which may be accompanied by thunderstorms and occasional hail. In some areas, precipitation could reach around 30 litres per square metre, especially in Tenerife, La Gomera and El Hierro, where conditions are expected to be more severe.
Despite signs that the storm may gradually weaken, unsettled weather is forecast to continue into tomorrow, with meteorological models suggesting a return to more stable conditions only between Wednesday and Thursday, when the trade winds are expected to re-establish themselves. However, forecasters caution that the situation remains variable.
Authorities urge caution amid ongoing risks
Given the continued instability, authorities are urging the public to avoid travel to mid-altitude and mountainous areas, where the risk of landslides remains high. Residents are also advised to stay away from ravine beds, avoid crossing flooded areas and respect all road closures and safety restrictions.
Impact of the storm across the islands
Although conditions have shown slight improvement in some areas, the effects of Storm Therese remain visible across the archipelago.
In Tenerife, heavy rainfall has been recorded in the south and west of the island, with particularly intense showers in areas such as Anaga and several northern regions, often accompanied by thunderstorms. During the early hours, wind gusts reached up to 118 km/h in Izaña, causing power outages in parts of the south-west and north-west, although most supply has now been restored.
Rainfall accumulations have been especially significant in several locations, including Cruz de Tea (276 l/m²), Vilaflor (212 l/m²), Trevejos (180 l/m²) and Santiago del Teide (153 l/m²). Coastal areas such as El Médano, Puertito de Adeje and Guía de Isora have once again been affected by strong swell.
Access to high-risk zones remains restricted. Roads such as the TF-445 towards Punta de Teno are closed due to ice, and entry to Teide National Park, as well as to footpaths, forest tracks and high mountain areas, continues to be prohibited. Emergency shelters in Adeje, Puerto de la Cruz and Santa Cruz de Tenerife are currently housing around 80 people, many of them homeless.
Disruptions and incidents on other islands
On La Gomera, the situation has been particularly complex. In the municipality of Vallehermoso, 15 residents of Erque and Erquito were left isolated after the collapse of a retaining wall created a large sinkhole, cutting off road access. Emergency teams have provided assistance, and although most residents chose to remain in their homes, three people are expected to be evacuated by helicopter. The affected road remains closed.
The island has also experienced multiple landslides, particularly along roads such as the GM-1, GM-2 and GM-3, as well as the CV-14 (El Rejo road), which remains closed.
In La Palma, rainfall has been lighter and more localised, mainly affecting the Caldera de Taburiente, although the risk of rockfalls and falling branches persists. In Tazacorte, several rocks damaged parked vehicles, although wind conditions have been less severe than in other areas.
In Gran Canaria, the continued rainfall has caused ravines and watercourses to remain swollen, with at least ten reservoirs currently releasing water. Authorities are monitoring the situation closely, particularly in areas such as the Agaete ravine, where five residents have been evacuated, and the Arguineguín ravine, where around 60 people remain cut off due to rising water levels. Several roads across the island remain closed.
On El Hierro, the day has passed without major incidents, although conditions remain under observation.
Gradual improvement expected midweek
While Storm Therese is expected to gradually lose intensity over the coming days, authorities warn that the risk associated with heavy rainfall and unstable terrain remains high in the short term.
Conditions are expected to improve progressively from midweek, although until then, continued caution is essential, particularly in areas affected by landslides, flooding and coastal activity.
