On March 3, 2025, heavy rainfall hit Telde, Gran Canaria, leading to severe flooding and road closures. The torrential downpour generated powerful currents, sweeping several vehicles away, posing serious hazards to residents and infrastructure.
The situation intensified with the unexpected burst of a reservoir, which released approximately 700,000 liters (185,000 gallons) of irrigation water. This exacerbated the conditions on García Ruiz Road, where residents found themselves trapped without the ability to enter or exit the area until midday. Fortunately, emergency services reported no casualties arising from the incident.
Responding swiftly to the dangerous conditions, the Telde City Council took precautionary measures on March 4, announcing the closure of popular local beaches, including La Garita, Hoya del Pozo, Playa del Hombre, El Barranquillo, Melenara, Salinetas, and Ojos de Garza. María Calderín, head of the Department of Beaches, emphasized the need for safety, stating, "This is a security measure to assure the safety of citizens. After the storm, the beaches are not in a condition to receive users." This statement reflects the authorities' concern for public safety over leisure activities during such emergencies.
With emergency response teams deployed across Telde, the City Council urged residents to refrain from travel as the situation required urgent cleanup and recovery efforts. Multiple coastal areas and roads were rendered impassable due to extensive waterlogging and landslides.
Beyond Telde, the eastern and northern parts of La Palma, southeastern Tenerife, and northeastern Gran Canaria experienced the most significant rainfall, which disrupted daily life across various municipalities including Arucas, Teror, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Santa Brígida, and Valsequillo. The State Meteorological Agency (Aemet) forecasted continued rain and snow across the Canary Islands, albeit with decreased intensity moving forward from March 4.
The weather conditions prompted Aemet to issue alerts, warning of rain and potential snow accumulation particularly above 1,800 meters (5,905 feet) altitude. Aemet data indicated stable temperatures, predicting highs of 19°C (66°F) and lows of 13°C (55°F) for Las Palmas, with Santa Cruz de Tenerife experiencing temperatures fluctuated between 9 and 9°C (48–68°F).
These weather developments extended to road closures affecting key access routes. The TF-24 between Los Loros and El Portillo and TF-445 from Buenavista to Faro de Teno were closed due to icy conditions, and entry to Teide National Park was restricted by Tenerife’s Island Council owing to safety hazards.
Following the severe weather, residents mobilized their efforts. Eyewitness accounts captured footage illustrating the aftermath of the floods, showing cars stranded on inundated streets, with some vehicles being swept away by the rushing floodwaters. Community members banded together with emergency services to clear streets covered thickly with mud, signifying resilience amid chaos and community spirit during trying times.
Following the intense natural disturbances, Telde City Hall strongly advised residents to remain indoors, stressing the importance of avoiding unnecessary travel amid the tumultuous conditions. This guidance was part of their broader initiative to maintain public safety across affected areas.
Reports indicate various challenges still await Telde and surrounding areas as recovery efforts continue. Despite the damage, emergency services and local authorities are focused on restoring normalcy and addressing the immediate needs of the communities impacted by the severe weather.
Overall, the heavy rainfall and subsequent flooding marked March 3, 2025, as a particularly challenging day for Telde and the surrounding areas of Gran Canaria, highlighting the vulnerabilities associated with extreme weather patterns. With intensive precipitation forecasts continuing, vigilance and preparedness are more important than ever.
Both local and regional authorities are now reflecting on the incident, considering ways to bolster future responses to similar emergencies — ensuring safety is prioritized and effective measures are implemented to prevent loss of life and property.