Tenerife Braces for Severe Weather as Storm Therese Triggers Red Alerts

The island of Tenerife is currently grappling with the impacts of Storm Therese, which has unexpectedly intensified, leading to a red alert status due to heavy rainfall and hazardous conditions. This situation has raised concerns among residents and prompted immediate action from local authorities.

Activation of Emergency Response Protocols

In light of the deteriorating weather conditions, the Cabildo has activated the highest level of its emergency response plan specifically for the northern region of Tenerife. This decision was made after updated forecasts indicated that the most severe weather would primarily affect the metropolitan area and the municipality of Tacoronte. The alert status was officially declared at 8:45 PM on Tuesday, with authorities issuing warnings about the ongoing heavy rain that has already begun to impact daily life.

Rainfall levels have reached alarming figures, with some areas recording up to 80 litres per square metre, significantly exceeding earlier predictions. The unpredictable nature of the storm has created challenges not only for residents but also for emergency services tasked with managing the crisis effectively.

Direct Communication with Residents

In a proactive measure to keep the public informed, island president Rosa Dávila announced the activation of the ES-Alert system. This system is designed to send emergency notifications directly to mobile phones of residents in the affected northern regions of Tenerife. Dávila reassured the public that while the alert tones may be alarming, they are intended to provide essential safety information quickly and efficiently. She urged residents to remain calm and stay informed as the situation evolves.

Strain on Emergency Services and Resources

The ongoing storm has placed significant pressure on emergency services throughout the Canary Islands. Since the onset of Storm Therese, nearly 1,800 incidents have been reported, highlighting the extent of the storm’s impact. On Tuesday alone, emergency services logged a staggering 653 incidents within just 18 hours, a number that far exceeds typical daily totals.

While Gran Canaria has seen the majority of these incidents, attention is now shifting to Tenerife as conditions are expected to worsen. Heavy and persistent rainfall is anticipated to continue in the coming hours, with forecasts indicating that La Palma will also experience further deterioration later in the day. Strong winds, reaching speeds of up to 90 km/h, are expected in higher elevations, adding to the challenges faced by emergency responders.

Although winds may begin to subside overnight, uncertainty remains regarding the weather conditions into Wednesday. Authorities are urging both residents and visitors to adhere to strict safety guidelines, as the situation remains highly volatile and unpredictable. The potential for flash flooding and landslides is a significant concern, prompting officials to remain vigilant.

Key points

• Tenerife is under a red alert due to Storm Therese, with heavy rainfall and dangerous conditions reported.
• The Cabildo has activated its highest level emergency plan, particularly in the northern region.
• Emergency alerts have been sent to mobile phones in affected areas via the ES-Alert system.
• Nearly 1,800 incidents have been reported across the Canary Islands since the storm began.
• Heavy rainfall is expected to continue, with strong winds forecasted in La Palma.
• Authorities are urging the public to follow safety guidelines as conditions remain unpredictable.