Strong Winds Disrupt Power Supply for Thousands in Southern Tenerife

On Friday, a powerful storm system caused a significant power outage affecting around 3,000 homes and holiday residences in southern Tenerife. The disruption was primarily due to severe winds that had a detrimental impact on the Endesa electricity network, leading to widespread inconvenience for residents and tourists alike.

Outage Timeline and Affected Areas

The outage, which was linked to a DANA (isolated high-altitude depression) currently affecting the Canary Islands, commenced at precisely 9:06 AM at the Chayofa substation. This particular substation serves as a crucial hub for electricity distribution in the region. The areas that experienced the most significant disruptions included parts of Adeje, Arona, and Vilaflor, all of which are popular destinations for both locals and visitors.

Initially, the outage left approximately 3,000 properties in the dark. However, as the day progressed and repair efforts were implemented, this number saw a substantial decrease. By early afternoon, the count of homes without power had dwindled to just 619, thanks to the tireless work of the engineering teams who were focused on restoring electricity as quickly as possible.

Efforts to Restore Power and Address the Situation

Endesa described the incident as “fairly significant,” highlighting the intensity of the weather conditions that contributed to the outage. Wind gusts were recorded at speeds of up to 90 km/h, with certain areas experiencing even more extreme conditions. In addition to this major outage, several smaller incidents were reported across the island, indicating that the weather was affecting multiple regions simultaneously.

Following the identification of the fault, repair teams were promptly dispatched to the Chayofa substation. Their efforts proved effective, and by 4:30 PM, power had been restored to the majority of the affected households. The swift response from Endesa was crucial in minimizing the duration of the outage and ensuring that residents could return to their daily routines as quickly as possible.

Weather Alerts and Public Safety Recommendations

The island of Tenerife continues to be under an orange weather warning issued by AEMET (the Spanish Meteorological Agency) due to the ongoing threat posed by strong winds. The Canary Islands Government has also placed the region on alert, with forecasts predicting that gusts could reach up to 100 km/h in exposed areas. This level of wind can pose significant risks, not only to power lines but also to individuals and property.

In light of these conditions, residents and visitors are strongly advised to exercise caution, particularly in elevated or coastal areas where wind conditions are most severe. The strong winds not only create hazards on land but also impact sea conditions, making maritime activities potentially dangerous. Authorities recommend staying indoors during peak wind periods and avoiding unnecessary travel until conditions improve.

Key points

• Approximately 3,000 homes and holiday homes lost power in southern Tenerife due to strong winds.
• The outage began at 9:06 AM at the Chayofa substation.
• Areas affected included Adeje, Arona, and Vilaflor.
• By early afternoon, the number of homes without power decreased to 619.
• Endesa reported wind gusts reaching up to 90 km/h, with some areas experiencing higher speeds.
• Power was fully restored to most households by 4:30 PM.
• An orange weather warning is in effect due to the strong winds.