Gran Canaria declares level 2 emergency as storm Therese batters Canary Islands
Storm Therese has delivered both vital rainfall and significant disruption across the Canary Islands, with authorities in Gran Canaria declaring a Level 2 emergency as conditions worsened on the island.
The storm system, one of the most persistent in recent years, has brought several consecutive days of rain across the archipelago. In some of the most drought-affected areas, particularly in southern Tenerife, the impact has been overwhelmingly positive. In Vilaflor de Chasna, more than 300 liters per square meter have been recorded—levels not seen in over 15 years.
Local officials and agricultural representatives have described the rainfall as “providential.” The steady, prolonged nature of the rain has allowed water to soak deeply into the soil without causing widespread destruction, revitalizing landscapes and rescuing traditional vineyards that were close to collapse. Irrigation reservoirs in Tenerife have also recovered significantly, reaching around 78% of their capacity.
However, the situation has been far more severe in Gran Canaria, where authorities raised the alert to Level 2, a critical step that enables the deployment of Spain’s Military Emergency Unit (UME) to reinforce local response teams.
According to island president Antonio Morales, the storm has produced convective weather systems marked by thunderstorms, lightning, and intense bursts of rainfall affecting areas including Arucas, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, and parts of the south and southeast.
The storm has remained largely stationary over the island, releasing large volumes of water unpredictably and making it difficult for emergency services to anticipate which areas will be hardest hit.
Authorities reported that 19 dams are currently releasing excess water, leading to dangerously swollen ravines and increasing flood risks. Landslides have further complicated the situation, cutting off access to communities such as Arteara and Fataga, which remain isolated.
The decision to escalate to Level 2 emergency status reflects the need for additional personnel and heavy machinery, resources that cannot be mobilized under lower alert levels. Officials said the situation will continue to be reassessed as the storm evolves.
Across the wider Canary Islands, Storm Therese has also caused infrastructure damage, flooding, and power outages affecting thousands of residents. Despite these disruptions, many communities—especially those long affected by drought—have welcomed the rainfall as a crucial lifeline.
Weather forecasts indicate that while heavy showers and strong winds may continue in the short term, conditions are expected to gradually stabilize in the coming days.
