Gran Canaria’s airport has been forced to close due to significant flooding, following torrential rains on March 3, 2025. The heavy downpour has wreaked havoc across this popular Canary Island, washing away cars and prompting local authorities to issue multiple warnings about the dangerous conditions.
Footage from the scene captured the moment when cars were swept away, including one dramatic video showing the harrowing ordeal of a woman who had to be rescued from her vehicle as raging floodwaters threatened to engulf her. Local resident Ramon Vera bravely ventured through the flood to save her from the swiftly flowing currents.
The hardest-hit area is Telde, where the rush of water covered streets and swept vehicles off roads. Onlookers reported seeing cars floating offshore after being dislodged from their resting places. Municipal authorities responded swiftly, implementing precautionary beach closures and urging residents to avoid unnecessary travel.
According to AENA, the organization overseeing airport operations, the Gran Canaria airport, located just 10 kilometers from the coast, was declared "inoperative due to water accumulation on the runways." Efforts are underway to restore operations, but continual rain poses significant challenges. AENA stated, "Work is underway to make them operational as soon as possible." Meanwhile, other flights across the Canary Islands, including Tenerife, continue to experience minor delays.
The local council remains vigilant, with continued rain alerts issued across the Canary Islands. These warnings follow previous downpours, which led to devastating floods last October and November, claiming the lives of 224 individuals, many of whom were elderly.
Juan Antonio Peña, the mayor of Telde, expressed his concerns, stating, "These are not easy times for the city of Telde. I only ask for maximum caution. Many roads are flooded or muddy. River beds overflow, vehicles swept away by the currents. Let’s be cautious, please.”
Heavy rain continues to pose risks, prompting the national weather agency Aemet to issue orange weather alerts for eastern, southern, and western Gran Canaria, predicting 30mm of rain may accumulate within just one hour. By March 4, these intensified predictions extended to other parts of the Canaries, including Lanzarote. Authorities have even warned about anticipated thunderstorms linked to the weather system.
The situation worsened as localized flooding left many roads cloaked in mud, affecting over 100,000 residents who had to take to the streets and clear debris with brooms and shovels. Those waiting to leave supermarkets and other establishments faced frustrations as vehicles became trapped amid flooded conditions.
Jerome Torres, 49, who resides on Gran Canaria, remembered previous floods, mentioning how streets can quickly become “urban rivers.” He relayed tales of neighbors trying to assist those trapped on lower floors during last year’s flooding. This year, videos depicted the rapid transformation of roads to rivers, with waters rushing dangerously through once safe neighborhoods.
The grim conditions weren’t limited to Gran Canaria. The mainland regions of Valencia and Alicante also prepared for heavy rainfall, with local forecasts predicting as much as 100mm over just 12 hours. These forecasts are reminiscent of those preceding last year’s catastrophic floods, which had significant human cost and infrastructure damage across Spain.
Despite the chaos wrought by the rains, the Santa Cruz Carnival, occurring between February and March, managed to hold some events amid the weather warnings, suspending only select performances. The Carnival is central to local culture; hence, many anticipated festivities persisted, though some may have been relocated or rescheduled due to safety concerns.
With conditions expected to improve by March 5, the interviewees and officials alike stressed caution for everyone. "We recognize the allure of carnival festivities, but safety remains the top priority," emphasized Aemet. The population is urged to stay informed about changing weather conditions, especially as officials maintain their efforts to manage the temporary crisis.
Yet this forthcoming respite does not erase the recent floods’ toll. Several properties around Telde and other impacted areas have suffered significant damage, echoing last year’s consequences from floods across Spain, which have spurred changes in local disaster preparedness measures.
Residents must remain aware of their surroundings, as not all streets are clear and more rain could again cause disruptions. The local authorities reiterated their call for safety practices, involving limited travel and engagement only when necessary. They also emphasized the importance of emergency plans for families who may find themselves facing new storms or unexpected conditions.
The weather patterns affecting the Canary Islands—a phenomenon locally termed "DANA"—have left experts puzzled, especially considering the stark transition from heavy rainfall to the unusual occurrence of snow on higher elevations, particularly at Teide National Park. Authorities are keeping access to the park restricted until conditions stabilize sufficiently for safer passage.
Despite the turmoil, camaraderie has flourished amid these troubling times, as neighbors and strangers pool their resources for mutual support. Gran Canaria, with its distinctive landscapes and culture, faces its trials, but resides resiliently against adversity as the community rallies together to weather this storm.
Moving forward, the continued coordination between local government, weather services, and the public will be key to overcoming the immediate fallout and preparing the islands for future weather disruptions.