Canary Islands flooding: Weather warnings in Gran Canaria and Tenerife explained — plus if it’s safe to travel

Hello friends! If you’re planning to travel to Spain or the Canary Islands, or if you simply love keeping tabs on weather happenings around the world, we’ve got some important updates for you! People across Spain and its favorite holiday destination, the Canary Islands, are currently bracing themselves as severe rainfall, flooding, and strong winds make a grand entrance. From Andalusia and the Valencian Community to Catalonia and the Canary Islands, the rain is pouring down hard, and the winds are whipping up a storm!

Here’s the scoop: The State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) is ringing the weather warning bells with predictions of strong and persistent showers, which aren’t planning to pack up anytime soon. While it’s normally a sunny paradise majorly known for its stunning beaches and lively carnivals, the Canary Islands, especially Gran Canaria and Tenerife, have been transformed with torrential rains causing flash floods. Authorities are urging residents and visitors to stay safe and prepared, with some roads blocked and travel plans altered.

Current Weather Situation in Spain and the Canary Islands

Affected Regions and Weather Conditions

Spain is currently experiencing tumultuous weather due to severe rainfall affecting various regions, including Andalusia, the Valencian Community, Catalonia, and the Canary Islands. The State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) has issued warnings forecasting strong to very strong and persistent showers. This adverse weather is expected to linger until at least Thursday, March 6, possibly carrying on into the weekend.

In the Canary Islands, particularly in Gran Canaria and Tenerife, overwhelming amounts of rain have transformed usually sunny areas into stormy settings. Streets have turned into fast-flowing rivers, contributing to chaotic conditions. The phenomena affecting these regions result from a weather system bringing moisture-laden winds from the east and northeast, causing significant instability across the Iberian Peninsula and the Balearic Islands. As a result, regions like the Valencian Community and parts of Andalusia witness rainfall surpassing 100mm within a short span.

Meteorological Warnings and Predictions

AEMET has set orange alerts in various parts of Spain, specifically targeting the areas of Castellón, Valencia, and Alicante in the Valencian Community. This alert highlights the potential for intensely heavy and enduring showers. Furthermore, in regions like Castellón, the Valencian Community, and southern Tarragona, expected rainfall might exceed 150mm over 24 hours during the storm’s peak around Wednesday and Thursday.

In the Canary Islands, a red alert has been issued, specifically for Gran Canaria, amid expectations of incessant rain, hail, and even snowfall. Both the General Directorate of Emergencies and AEMET have placed the region under intense scrutiny, expressing that dramatic weather changes, including thunderstorms and snowfall at higher altitudes, could persist, potentially extending further into the weekend.

Impact of Severe Rainfall

Flooding Incidents and Rescue Operations

Unprecedented rainfall has triggered numerous hostilities in affected regions, as demonstrated by dramatic scenes of flooding. In Jerez de la Frontera, Andalusia, flash floods precipitated the need for emergency rescue operations, where responders saved around 40 individuals trapped in 20 vehicles on a critically flooded motorway. The swift swell from the Salado stream significantly inundated the area, pressing local firefighters into a rigorous operation taking over two hours to complete the rescues.

The Calamity in Gran Canaria and Tenerife remains striking, with familiar streets swept into waters akin to rushing rivers. Notably, in Tenerife, rescue crews urgently intervened, freeing 80 people trapped in a flooded supermarket after water levels elevated dramatically inside.

Transportation and Travel Disruptions

The fierce weather has placed a notable burden on various transportation modes across affected regions. In tandem with dangerous road conditions, travel disruptions are substantial within vehicular networks. Presently, over 16 roads face closure, including parts of the main national network.

The Canary Islands airports experience mixed impacts—with Gran Canaria airport temporarily closed due to runway flooding, resulting in halts of flight operations. Meanwhile, other Canary Islands airports continue functioning, albeit with minor delays, necessitating tourists and residents to remain cautious. Roads leading to crucial locations such as Teide National Park in Tenerife are closed to prevent further havoc, considerably impacting travel plans such as hiking and beach-going.

Safety Measures and Public Advisories

Confronted with the ongoing weather crisis, both local authorities and AEMET emphasize the importance of adhering to safety protocols and advisories. Residents, tourists, and those traveling around or into the Canary Islands are strongly encouraged to stay informed about official updates, avoid non-essential travel, and ascertain emergency supplies are ready and ample in anticipation of possible power outages.

Public advisories also recommend avoiding areas under heavy snow or flood threats, such as the popular thoroughfares leading to Gran Canaria’s beaches and significant outdoor attractions. With public safety paramount, local functions, including many elements of the famed Canary Islands Carnival, have faced cancellations or postponements, as festivities are overshadowed by the unpredictable weather.

For anyone in Spain and the Canary Islands, such a period calls for robust readiness, the exercise of caution, and planning for potential contingencies. Embracing these practices ensures safety and better navigability through the environmental adversities currently stretching across the region. Stay alert to further updates and prioritize safety for you and your loved ones in these trying times!

Response and Preparedness

As the skies unleash torrents of rain across Spain and the Canary Islands, local authorities are on high alert, and both residents and tourists are urged to take precautions. Let’s dive into how different actions are being implemented to keep everyone safe.

Actions by Local Authorities

Local authorities are pulling out all the stops to keep communities safe amidst the stormy downpour. In Spain, the State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) has been proactive in issuing weather advisories across affected regions. An orange alert is in place for areas like Andalusia and the Valencian Community, and a red alert looms over Gran Canaria due to severe rainfall, raising the stakes for emergency response teams.

The emphasis is purely on swift and effective action. In Jerez de la Frontera, rapid flooding saw emergency crews diving straight into operation mode. Over 40 individuals were safely plucked from vehicles stranded on a flooded motorway. Meanwhile, in the Valencian Community, with rainfall forecasts predicting more than 150mm within 24 hours, school closures and a suspension of outdoor activities in high-risk areas underscore the authority’s caution.

In the Canary Islands, the tides of precaution have taken a similar course. The General Directorate of Emergencies has announced an emergency plan due to anticipated heavy rain, hail, and snow. Beaches have been closed, and the popular Teide National Park in Tenerife has been sealed off to minimize risks. With a pre-alert status across all eight islands, local authorities are leaving no stone unturned to keep residents and tourists informed and shielded.

Community and Tourist Guidelines

Keeping safety at the forefront, communities and tourists have been guided with a focus on minimizing disruptions and hazards. For those living in or visiting affected Spanish regions, irrefutable guidelines stress the importance of staying indoors and sidestepping unnecessary travel – sound advice given the volatile weather. Residents have been urged to stock up on emergency supplies and brace for possible power outages.

In the Canary Islands, tourists are advised to hunker down indoors, particularly on islands like Gran Canaria and Tenerife, where conditions have been most turbulent. The festive spirit of the Canary Islands is momentarily paused, with the world-famous carnival being curtailed and festival events canceled or postponed. Holidaymakers planning to hit up beaches or trails will find closures in effect, ensuring visitor safety remains uncompromised.

Authorities further emphasize closely monitoring real-time updates from AEMET and local safety channels. Information is power, and being updated equips both residents and tourists to better navigate this weather predicament.

In the face of the menacing weather, these collective efforts highlight the importance of responsiveness and adherence to safety instructions. Whether you’re a local resident or just passing through, taking these advisories seriously is crucial in weathering the storm and ensuring safety and well-being for everyone involved.

Conclusion

As the skies over Spain and the Canary Islands continue to release torrents of rain, the importance of staying informed and prepared has never been clearer. While these weather events are causing disruptions—from school closures to impacts on travel and local festivities—it’s vital to prioritize safety above all. Here’s a quick checklist to consider:

– Avoid Unnecessary Travel: Stay off the roads if you can, as many areas are experiencing severe flooding and road closures.

– Stay Informed: Keep an eye on the latest updates from AEMET and local authorities. Information can change quickly, so being aware of the situation is crucial.

– Prepare an Emergency Kit: Make sure you have basic supplies like food, water, and flashlights in case of power outages or emergencies.

– Follow Official Guidelines: Whether it’s advice to stay indoors or updates on travel restrictions, listening to official recommendations can help keep you safe.

These storms remind us of the power of nature and the importance of being vigilant and prepared. Keep safe, stay dry, and watch for updates as conditions evolve.