Severe Weather Impacts the Canary Islands
The Canary Islands are currently experiencing severe weather conditions, with yellow and amber warnings in place due to Storm Therese. The Spanish meteorological agency, AEMET, has issued ‘significant danger’ amber alerts for rain and wind in areas such as Palma, Tenerife, and Gran Canaria, which will remain active until 11:59 PM tonight.
This storm has caused significant disruptions to travel plans, with dozens of flights being cancelled throughout the week due to high winds reaching up to 75 mph. In addition, various events have been called off, affecting both locals and tourists who had planned to enjoy the island’s attractions.
Earlier in the week, snowfall added to the challenges, leaving roads icy and dangerous for those trying to navigate the area. The combination of snow, heavy rain, and strong winds has made it difficult for people to move around the islands, leading to road closures as a precautionary measure.
Disruptions at Tenerife South Airport
According to plane tracking website Flightradar24, many flights scheduled to depart from Tenerife South Airport on Friday were delayed. This has left many travelers stranded or forced to reschedule their trips. Sabi Phagura, a UK-based travel journalist, arrived in Tenerife on Wednesday and found herself caught in the eye of the storm.
She shared her experience, stating, “It was a bumpy ride from Gatwick. I was oblivious to the storm until I landed, and then people started messaging me asking if I was okay. It was lashing with rain overnight. When I looked out, the palm trees were bent 60 degrees, almost 90 degrees in the wind.”
Phagura had come to Tenerife for the 75th birthday celebration of the Iberostar Heritage Grand Mencey hotel, but the event had to be cancelled due to the adverse weather. She also mentioned that roads were closed in some parts of the island, with 6ft waves and rocks falling off mountains creating additional hazards.
Impact on Popular Attractions
Footage from the Teide National Park showed a snow-covered mountain peak, drawing hikers despite warnings about the extreme conditions. Visitors were advised to avoid areas above 5,900 feet due to significant snowfall.
Tenerife’s president, Rosa Davila, announced on Thursday that the island’s emergency response system would be activated starting at 3 PM to prepare for the ongoing adverse weather. The rough weather is expected to continue until early next week.
Last month, southern Spain and Portugal faced similar challenges with Storm Leonardo, which caused widespread devastation. Heavy rain, flooding, and landslides forced thousands to evacuate their homes, and at least two people lost their lives, including a woman swept away by a swollen river while trying to rescue her dog.
Weather Forecast for the Next Few Days
According to AEMET, the Canary Islands can expect significant amounts of rain and wind over the next few days. On Saturday, there could be gusts of up to 90 km/h and rain accumulation of up to 100 mm. Coastal areas will see low danger yellow weather warnings for wind speeds of up to 50 km/h.
By Sunday and Monday, the weather is expected to ease slightly, with wind speeds dropping to 61 km/h and rainfall decreasing to 15 mm in affected areas. Yellow weather warnings will remain in place until Monday.
Will Storm Therese Affect the UK?
While the storm continues to impact the Canary Islands, the UK is expected to experience more favorable weather conditions. The Met Office has predicted dry weather and sunshine across most of England and Wales over the weekend, with temperatures hovering between 14 and 16°C. Scotland and Northern Ireland may see more cloud cover and some rainfall.
Passenger Rights in Case of Flight Cancellations
In the UK and EU, airlines are required to assist passengers if their flight is delayed or cancelled. This includes providing meals, accommodation, and an alternative flight if necessary. Passengers should also have access to phone calls and emails, and if accommodation is provided, airlines must arrange transportation between the hotel and the airport.
In some cases, airlines may offer vouchers at the airport. If expenses are incurred, passengers should keep receipts and claim them back from the airline later. However, airlines will only cover ‘reasonable’ expenses.
If the flight was not booked with a UK or EU airline, passengers should check the carrier’s terms and conditions. Generally, airlines should provide appropriate meals and accommodation based on the situation.
Eligibility for Support
Eligibility for support depends on the distance of the flight and the waiting time:
- Short-haul (up to 1,500km over two hours or less): Waiting for two hours or more.
- Medium-haul (between 1,500km and 3,500km over two to four hours): Waiting for three hours or more.
- Long-haul (more than 3,500km over four hours or more): Waiting for four hours or more.
Get in Touch
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