Storm Emilia: wind, rain and snow alerts as worst conditions expected on Saturday
The Canary Islands government has issued a maximum alert for coastal hazards as Storm Emilia moves across the archipelago, bringing the threat of exceptionally high waves, strong winds, heavy rain and localised flooding.
Authorities in Tenerife have activated the Island Emergency Plan (PEIN) and ordered the closure of roads leading to Teide National Park, along with access to all hiking trails, as Storm Emilia intensifies its impact across the Canary Islands.
The measures, taken in line with guidance from the Canary Islands government, come amid forecasts of thunderstorms, hail and snowfall on the island. Spain’s State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) has issued orange warnings — indicating significant danger — across the archipelago. Lanzarote and Fuerteventura are expected to be less affected, with most alerts remaining at yellow level, except for coastal phenomena.
Although the worst conditions are forecast for Saturday, the storm has already caused disruption in Tenerife on Friday. Several flights were diverted from Tenerife North Airport (Los Rodeos) to Tenerife South due to adverse weather. More than 25 flights experienced delays at the northern airport, affecting both departures and arrivals. By late Friday afternoon, five flights had been diverted and two cancelled.
AEMET’s delegate in the Canary Islands, David Suárez, warned that the most severe phase of the storm is still to come. “This will be a complicated situation, and the most significant impacts in Tenerife and Gran Canaria will arrive during the morning and midday on Saturday,” he said. Very strong wind gusts are expected in the northern parts of both islands, potentially reaching and exceeding 70 to 100 kilometres per hour.
Rainfall associated with Storm Emilia is forecast to be widespread but uneven across the islands. The heaviest and most persistent rain is expected in the northern halves of Tenerife and Gran Canaria, as well as in Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, and the northern areas of La Palma and La Gomera.
Dangerous sea conditions caused by strong winds and heavy swell are also increasing the risk of coastal flooding in some areas. Waves may overtop bathing areas, seaside promenades and coastal roads, particularly during the three hours before and after high tide.
Tenerife is expected to be particularly affected by snowfall, with precipitation falling in the form of snow above 1,600 metres. Snow accumulation could reach or exceed five centimetres on the island’s highest ground, while summit areas of Gran Canaria and La Palma may see accumulations of up to two centimetres.
Emergency services have urged residents and visitors to follow official advice, avoid unnecessary travel in affected areas and respect closures and restrictions put in place for safety reasons.
