The Government of the Canary Islands has declared school closures across its territories due to severe weather conditions brought on by the Atlantic storm Dorothea. Announced for Monday, December 16, this suspension applies to the islands of El Hierro and La Gomera, as well as to several municipalities on Tenerife. Specifically, schools will be closed in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Tegueste, Tacoronte, Candelaria, and El Rosario.
Authorities have heightened the alert status due to extreme weather forecasts, with predictions of strong winds reaching up to 120 km/h. This decision was made following recommendations from the Government of the Canary Islands and local emergency services. "La suspensión podría ampliarse en las próximas horas a otras zonas de Tenerife," the government stated, implying additional areas might face similar closures as conditions evolve.
Weather conditions on Sunday indicated northwest gusts of winds reaching as high as 130 km/h, with consistent reports of wind speeds up to 126 km/h measured at various points across the islands. The Agencia Estatal de Meteorología (Aemet) has heightened alerts with levels set to red for El Hierro and orange for Tenerife, La Gomera, and La Palma. Warnings of coastal phenomena have also been declared, indicating potentially dangerous conditions along the shoreline.
The storm Dorothea has impacted the region with significant incidents reported throughout the west Canarian islands. Notably, there have been multiple instances of fallen trees, electrical posts, and even road closures, creating hazards for residents. Luckily, reports confirmed there have been no serious injuries due to these disruptions.
Air travel has not been immune to the storm's effects, with significant delays reported—particularly at Tenerife North airport where some flights experienced rerouting to Tenerife South. A suspension of activities at Universidad de La Laguna has also been mandated, which aligns with the decision made for primary and secondary education institutions.
Beyond logistical disruptions, the storm's impact extends to sporting events. The scheduled Second Division match between CD Tenerife and Deportivo de La Coruña at the Heliodoro Rodríguez López Stadium was likewise postponed, contributing to the growing list of cancellations stemming from the unpredictable weather.
The winds have also elevated temperatures throughout the archipelago, with some areas experiencing warms up to 31.1 degrees. This unusual fluctuation occurs alongside storms, creating curious and challenging conditions for both residents and authorities alike. “La alerta máxima por viento muy fuerte y localmente huracanado que podría alcanzar los 120 kilómetros por hora,” the government continues to state as it keeps the vigilance on the current situation.
Residents are urged to stay attentive to the situation as updates are expected to come from local authorities based on the storm's development. With continued monitoring of weather conditions, officials remain vigilant to prioritize safety and mitigate any potential impacts on everyday life across the islands.
Stay tuned for more updates as we follow the developments of storm Dorothea, which continues to affect the Canarian archipelago with its severe winds and adverse weather conditions.
