Spain is facing one of its most severe weather events in recent memory as Storm Emilia barrels through the country, unleashing a barrage of torrential rains, hurricane-force winds, and record-breaking waves. The storm, which began to make its presence felt on December 12, 2025, has triggered maximum alerts and emergency protocols across eight autonomous communities, with the Canary Islands bearing the brunt of the impact.
According to Europa Press, the Government’s Emergency Directorate in the Canary Islands activated a maximum alert for coastal phenomena as forecasts predicted waves could soar beyond nine meters. It’s not every day you see the Atlantic churn up that kind of fury. The State Meteorological Agency’s data prompted authorities to roll out the Specific Emergency Plan for Risks from Adverse Meteorological Phenomena (PEFMA) and the Special Civil Protection and Emergency Attention Plan for Flood Risks (PEINCA), both tailored for the unique geography and vulnerability of the Canary Islands.
On the ground, the situation has been nothing short of chaotic. Russpain reports that all seven Canary Islands have been hit hard by Cyclone Emilia, with heavy rain, thunderstorms, and powerful northerly winds lashing the archipelago. Snow has blanketed the mountains and highlands—an unusual sight for many residents and tourists. Localized flooding, transport disruptions, and even temporary power outages have become the norm over the past 48 hours. Schools and administrative buildings in several municipalities have been shuttered, as authorities urge everyone to stay indoors unless absolutely necessary.
"The passage of storm ‘Emilia’ through the Canary Islands has prompted the Government’s Emergency Directorate to activate a maximum alert for coastal phenomena across all islands, with forecasts indicating that waves could exceed nine metres in height," Europa Press noted in a statement that underscored the seriousness of the situation. The warnings are not limited to the sea. Wind gusts have been clocked at up to 100 kilometers per hour in the midlands and high altitudes, while rainfall accumulations are expected to break records in several areas. In the northern half of Tenerife alone, authorities are bracing for up to 100 millimeters of rain over a twelve-hour period—a staggering amount for any region, let alone one that already struggles with flash flooding.
Elsewhere in Spain, the storm’s effects are being felt from Andalucía to Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria, and the Basque Country, as well as in the Spanish enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla. Meteorologists have declared orange alerts for these regions, warning of up to 80 liters of rain per square meter in a single day and wind gusts reaching 90 kilometers per hour. Along the northern and western coasts, significant wave heights of five to seven meters have been recorded, with some surges peaking at nine meters or more. Inland, dense fog has complicated driving conditions, especially in the province of Lugo, while snow has fallen in the mountains of Tenerife, La Palma, and Gran Canaria.
The government has not taken these threats lightly. Residents and tourists alike have been bombarded with self-protection advice. The General Directorate of Emergencies has urged everyone to heed the guidance of local authorities, avoid coastal areas, and postpone any nautical or sports activities. "It is crucial to implement self-protection recommendations to avert risk situations due to wind and rough sea conditions," the government advised. People have been told to secure their homes against flooding, remove loose objects from balconies and rooftops, and avoid traveling unless absolutely necessary. For those living near the coast, the risk of coastal flooding is real—especially during high tides, when wave surges can inundate promenades, roads, and even residential areas.
For drivers, the advice is clear: stay off the roads if possible, especially near beaches or flood-prone areas. If you must drive, do so with extreme caution. "If a vehicle begins to fill with water, it is advised to abandon it," the emergency guidelines state. In the event of thunderstorms, residents are instructed to unplug electrical devices, close doors and windows, and avoid sheltering under trees or near metal structures, as lightning strikes are a serious hazard.
In the mountains, where snow has fallen thick and fast, local councils have closed roads and restricted access to snow-covered areas. Accumulations of five centimeters or more have been reported in the mountains of Tenerife, with two centimeters in La Palma and Gran Canaria. The authorities have emphasized the importance of adhering to signage and respecting road closures, as avalanches and landslides remain a concern in these high-altitude zones.
Emergency services across the affected regions are operating in enhanced mode, prepared to respond to everything from power outages and road closures to rescues and medical emergencies. Ferry services have been canceled in several areas, and temporary road closures are in effect where flooding or debris has made travel unsafe. In some coastal towns, the combination of strong winds and high surf has damaged infrastructure, with reports of street flooding and fallen trees adding to the mounting list of challenges.
Looking ahead, meteorologists warn that Cyclone Emilia is moving slowly southward, hovering between the Canary Islands and the Bay of Cádiz. The forecast suggests the storm will linger in this area through the weekend, with heavier rainfall and even stronger winds expected in southwestern Spain and around the Strait of Gibraltar. The Mediterranean coast is not out of the woods either, as unstable weather threatens to bring significant rainfall and potential new flooding in southeastern Spain.
Authorities are keenly aware that the danger is far from over. "The storm is expected to maintain its strength over the coming days, and may even intensify in some areas," Russpain reported. As a result, emergency services remain on high alert, and residents are being urged to stay informed through official channels and the media. In any emergency situation, the public is reminded to call 112 immediately and to follow all instructions from local authorities.
With so many regions affected and the storm showing little sign of abating, Spain faces a tense and uncertain weekend. The resilience of communities, the preparedness of emergency services, and the vigilance of individuals will all be put to the test as Storm Emilia continues its relentless assault. For now, the message from officials is clear: stay safe, stay indoors, and keep an eye on the ever-changing skies.
