Holidaymakers dreaming of sun-soaked beaches and gentle ocean breezes in Tenerife were met with a startlingly different reality this week, as Storm Therese unleashed a barrage of wintry weather across the Canary Islands. The storm, named by the Portuguese weather service due to its initial threat to Madeira and the Azores, swiftly shifted its fury toward the Canaries, with Tenerife bearing the brunt of its force. By Friday, March 20, 2026, and extending into the weekend, the island found itself grappling with one of the most disruptive weather events in recent memory, according to multiple reports from BBC, Express, and local media such as the Canarian Weekly.
Authorities responded swiftly and decisively. The Cabildo de Tenerife, the island’s governing council, declared an island-wide emergency and activated its emergency plan as early as Wednesday, March 18. Outdoor events were promptly cancelled, roads were closed, and temporary shelters opened for those in need. Flights in and out of the island faced cancellations, leaving both residents and tourists scrambling to adjust their plans. Local officials, including Blanca Pérez, Tenerife’s councillor for Security and Emergencies, emphasized the need for vigilance, stating the goal was to “anticipate incidents and respond quickly if conditions worsen,” as cited by Canarian Weekly.
The Spanish national weather service, AEMET, issued orange weather warnings—its second-highest alert level—across Tenerife. These warnings, valid throughout Friday and into Saturday, signaled a significant risk to life and infrastructure. Northern areas faced wind gusts reaching 90 to 100 kilometers per hour (56 to 62 mph), while the south braced for up to 100 millimeters (four inches) of rain within a 12-hour period. The consequences were immediate: flooded roads, landslides, and widespread transport disruption. In higher altitudes, particularly around the iconic Mount Teide volcano, significant snowfall blanketed the landscape, prompting the closure of hiking trails and recreational areas in Teide National Park above 1,800 meters altitude.
For many, the sight of snow atop Mount Teide was both dramatic and jarring. While snow at such heights isn’t unheard of during winter and early spring, the combination of heavy rainfall, powerful winds, and rough seas made this event genuinely dangerous. As BBC noted, “significant snow has already fallen over high ground in the centre of the island around the Mount Teide volcano,” adding a wintry twist to an island more famous for its year-round sunshine.
The practical impact on daily life was widespread. The TF-445 road to Punta de Teno was shut, access to hiking trails and forest tracks was restricted, and all outdoor events were suspended. Local media, including Canarian Weekly, highlighted that the north, south-west, and higher ground of Tenerife were the most affected regions, with the stretch between Santiago del Teide and Arico singled out as particularly vulnerable. The metropolitan area, comprising Santa Cruz and La Laguna, also faced disruption, though impacts there were expected to be less severe. Rainfall forecasts warned that some areas could see totals exceeding 300 liters per square meter, dramatically raising the risk of flooding and water runoff.
Neighbouring islands did not escape unscathed. Gran Canaria and La Gomera were placed under wind and rain warnings, while La Palma and El Hierro braced for waves up to six meters (20 feet), creating hazardous conditions along the coasts. Authorities across the archipelago increased monitoring of coastal areas, inspected key infrastructure, and advised local councils to activate their own emergency plans, especially in flood-prone zones. The coordinated response aimed to minimize risk and ensure the safety of both residents and the millions of tourists who flock to the Canary Islands each year in search of winter sun.
For travelers, the disruption was keenly felt. Flight cancellations left many stranded or forced to rearrange their journeys, and those already on the island were advised to avoid unnecessary travel and stay away from the coastlines due to rough seas. The guidance from local authorities was clear: follow official updates, heed warnings, and do not underestimate the dangers posed by the storm. Temporary shelters remained open for those displaced by flooding or unable to safely return home.
Storm Therese also stood out for its place in the meteorological record books. According to BBC, it was the 19th storm to be named by the south-west Europe naming group this season—a new record since the group, which includes the weather services of Spain, Portugal, France, Belgium, Luxembourg, and Andorra, began naming storms in 2017. Only two names remain on the current season’s list, raising the possibility that a supplementary “mini-list” will be needed if more storms occur before the season ends in August.
As the weekend progressed, the worst of the weather was expected to ease by Sunday, March 22, although some yellow warnings and showers were forecast to linger into the following week. Yet, as of Friday evening, the emergency situation remained active, with orange warnings in force and officials urging continued caution. The precise moment when the emergency plan would be stood down was still uncertain, dependent on updated forecasts and the evolving situation on the ground.
For those unfamiliar with the region’s weather patterns, Storm Therese served as a sharp reminder that even destinations with a subtropical reputation are not immune to the extremes of nature. The combination of high winds, torrential rain, and snow at altitude left no part of Tenerife untouched. “There is no straightforward ‘safe’ part of Tenerife to retreat to during the storm’s peak,” one report emphasized, underscoring the island-wide scale of the disruption.
Throughout the ordeal, the response from authorities was marked by proactive measures and clear communication. From activating emergency plans and opening shelters to issuing timely warnings and advising against travel, the focus remained squarely on public safety. As local councils ramped up their own emergency protocols and infrastructure checks, the island’s resilience was put to the test—but so too was its capacity for rapid, coordinated action in the face of a rare and powerful storm.
As Tenerife and its neighbors begin to recover from Storm Therese, the episode will likely be remembered as a testament to both the unpredictability of nature and the importance of preparedness. For now, residents and visitors alike are left to reflect on an extraordinary week—one that brought snow to a volcanic peak, floods to coastal towns, and a stark reminder that even paradise can be vulnerable to the wildest whims of the weather.