The Canary Islands and large parts of mainland Spain have found themselves in the grip of Storm Claudia, a powerful weather system that has brought chaos, danger, and heartbreak across the region. As of November 13, 2025, the storm’s punishing rainfall, hurricane-force winds, and treacherous seas have forced communities to a standstill, closed schools and universities, and left emergency services scrambling to protect lives and property.
According to Spain’s national weather agency, Aemet, the Canary Islands have been under a blanket of amber and yellow weather warnings, with every island in the Atlantic archipelago bracing for hazardous conditions. The most severe impacts have hit Tenerife, particularly its northern reaches, where heavy rain and winds reaching up to 100 kilometers per hour have battered the landscape. Emergency crews worked through the night, tackling blocked drainage systems, clearing fallen debris, and responding to minor flooding that threatened homes and businesses.
The disruption hasn’t been limited to the ground. Airports across the Canary Islands struggled to maintain safe operations as the storm raged, resulting in the diversion of 14 flights on November 12. Thousands of travelers—many of them tourists seeking the islands’ famous mild weather—found their plans upended. Hotels and tour operators scrambled to keep guests informed and safe, while airlines monitored conditions closely, adjusting schedules to protect passengers and minimize the chaos. The timing of Storm Claudia, right in the heart of the traditional travel season, has dealt a blow to the region’s vital tourism industry.
Meanwhile, Aemet’s warnings have painted a picture of a region under siege. La Palma, northern Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, and Lanzarote all received amber alerts for rain on November 13, signaling potentially dangerous precipitation levels. Simultaneously, yellow alerts for thunderstorms were issued for northern Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, and Lanzarote, with the possibility of intense lightning and downpours. Every island faced yellow warnings for wind, with gusts up to 80 kilometers per hour expected even at lower elevations. In the highlands—such as Mount Teide in Tenerife and the elevated areas of La Palma—forecasters warned of gusts exceeding 100 kilometers per hour, making these popular tourist spots especially hazardous. Authorities urged everyone, locals and visitors alike, to steer clear of mountainous regions until the storm had safely passed.
But the Canary Islands’ ordeal didn’t start with Storm Claudia. Just days earlier, on November 9, tragedy struck the coastline of Tenerife when powerful waves, spawned by earlier storm activity, crashed ashore. Three people lost their lives, and 15 others were injured in the incident, underscoring the deadly risks posed by the archipelago’s tumultuous seas. As a result, coastal warnings remained in effect across all islands except La Gomera, with force seven winds predicted to whip up choppy, hazardous conditions. Residents and tourists were strongly advised to avoid maritime activities and to exercise extreme caution anywhere near the shoreline.
The forecast for November 13, as shared by Aemet, offered a glimmer of hope for gradual improvement but warned of ongoing challenges. In the western province of the Canary Islands, cloudy skies and persistent rain dominated the morning, with heavy or very heavy thunderstorms possible—especially in the early hours. Conditions were expected to improve by the afternoon, with the sun peeking through partly cloudy skies. Gran Canaria faced similar prospects, with the southwest slopes most at risk for severe rainfall. Lanzarote and Fuerteventura were braced for thunderstorms during the morning and midday, potentially reaching heavy or very heavy intensities. Temperatures were expected to fall slightly from recent highs, while minimum readings would remain steady or inch upward. Winds, moderate to strong from the southwest, were forecast to bring very strong gusts to the midlands and highlands before gradually easing and shifting westward later in the day.
Recognizing the magnitude of the threat, the Canary Islands government declared a state of pre-alert on November 13. Officials urged the public to take every precaution: stay indoors when possible, avoid coastal and mountainous areas, postpone nonessential travel, and secure outdoor objects that could become dangerous projectiles in the fierce winds. Emergency services remained on high alert, ready to respond as the storm continued its relentless assault. "We are urging everyone to prioritize their safety and follow official guidance," a government spokesperson stated, echoing the urgency of the situation.
But Storm Claudia’s reach extended well beyond the Canary Islands, sweeping across mainland Spain and into neighboring Portugal. On November 13, a rare red weather warning—the highest level, indicating "extraordinary danger"—was issued for parts of central Spain, including north Caceres and central and south Avila. According to The Olive Press, Aemet forecast more than 120 millimeters of rain would fall overnight in these areas, with the red alert lasting until 6 a.m. on November 14. Residents were advised to stay indoors and steer clear of riverbeds and flood-prone zones, as authorities braced for potential flooding and landslides. Across much of Spain, yellow and orange alerts remained in effect for heavy rainfall and wind gusts topping 80 kilometers per hour.
The storm’s toll has already been felt in Portugal, where two people lost their lives after their house was inundated by floodwaters. The tragedy served as a stark warning of the storm’s destructive potential as it barreled eastward into Spain.
For the people of the Canary Islands, the past week has been a test of endurance and resilience. The government’s pre-alert status, coupled with the widespread closures of schools and universities, marked a collective pause as communities hunkered down and waited for the worst to pass. The tourism industry, so central to the islands’ economy, faced logistical nightmares as flights were diverted and travelers stranded. Yet, amid the disruption, there was a sense of solidarity—neighbors checking on one another, emergency crews working tirelessly, and officials communicating updates and advice at every turn.
As the storm system is expected to move away from the islands by the end of the week, there is cautious optimism that the worst is over. No further warnings have been issued for Friday, November 14, hinting at a return to the sunny, mild conditions that make the Canary Islands such a beloved destination. Still, the events of the past days will linger in the memories of those affected—reminders of nature’s power and the importance of preparedness in the face of extraordinary danger.