Canary Islands brace for storm Claudia as heavy rain, wind and flooding alerts declared

The Canary Islands are preparing for the arrival of storm Claudia, which will begin to affect the western islands — Tenerife, La Gomera, La Palma and El Hierro — from Wednesday, November 12, before moving eastward across the archipelago. The regional government’s Directorate General of Emergencies has declared four alerts for intense rainfall, strong winds, flooding, and thunderstorms.

As a precaution, in-person classes have been suspended on the western islands on Wednesday afternoon, while authorities will reassess the situation on Thursday to decide whether additional measures are needed.

The storm marks the first major autumn weather event of the season. According to Spain’s State Meteorological Agency (Aemet), the cold front associated with Claudia will sweep from west to east between Wednesday and Thursday, bringing heavy and persistent rainfall — particularly on the western and southern slopes of the higher islands. Occasional downpours may also reach Lanzarote and Fuerteventura, though with less intensity.

Alerts and school closures

The government declared an official alert under the Canary Islands’ Emergency Plan for Adverse Weather Risks (PEFMA).

• Wind alerts will begin at noon on Wednesday across the entire archipelago.
• Rain, flooding, and storm alerts were set to activate progressively: from 3:00 p.m. in La Palma; 6:00 p.m. in El Hierro, La Gomera, and Tenerife; 11:00 p.m. for storms in Gran Canaria (with rain and flooding alerts at midnight); and 6:00 a.m. Thursday in Fuerteventura and Lanzarote.

The regional Department of Education has suspended all classes and school meal services on La Palma from 1:30 p.m. Wednesday. From 3:00 p.m., classes across the western province will move online, and schools have been advised to cancel extracurricular and after-school activities for the day.

Expected conditions

Aemet forecasts moderate to heavy rain with locally torrential downpours, especially in mountainous areas and southwest-facing slopes. These conditions could trigger flash flooding in ravines and urban areas. Winds from the southwest are expected to reach 70–90 km/h, turning westerly as the front passes and easing by Thursday evening.

Pre-alerts for coastal hazards and thunderstorms remain in place, with authorities warning that the risk of coastal flooding persists from last week’s advisory.

Safety recommendations

Authorities are urging residents to avoid unnecessary travel and to take precautions if driving, such as monitoring water levels, reducing speed, and avoiding flooded roads or bridges. People are also advised not to use elevators, to stay away from basements or garages that could flood, and to call 112 only in emergencies. For general information, the number 012 should be used instead.

During thunderstorms, officials warn against approaching areas struck by lightning or seeking shelter under isolated trees. Strong wind precautions include staying away from old buildings, scaffolding, and other structures that could collapse, and securing objects from balconies and rooftops that might be blown away.

As Claudia moves eastward, conditions are expected to gradually improve by Thursday evening, but authorities continue to monitor the situation closely.