Storm Dorothea has unleashed its full force upon the Canary Islands, leading to significant disruptions across the archipelago. This weekend, the islands experienced hurricane-strength winds, prompting alerts and proactive measures from local authorities.
The Canary Islands government, through La Consejería de Educación, announced on Monday the suspension of school activities across El Hierro and La Gomera, along with several municipalities within Tenerife. This decision reflects the heightened concern for safety due to severe weather conditions. "La Consejería de Educación del Gobierno de Canarias ha anunciado la suspensión de la actividad escolar este lunes en las islas de El Hierro y La Gomera, así como en algunos municipios de Tenerife debido a la alerta máxima por vientos," stated local news sources.
Wind gusts reportedly exceeded 120 kilometers per hour, wreaking havoc especially on the western islands, namely El Hierro and La Gomera. This extreme weather event has led to multiple incidents, including the widespread fall of trees, power outages, and road blockages due to debris. Emergency services have been on high alert, managing around 300 incidents related to the storm. According to the 112 Emergency Coordinator, "El 112 Canarias ha registrado cerca de un centenar de incidencias en las islas occidentales debido al fuerte viento." These incidents predominantly stemmed from fallen trees and other obstacles, causing disruptions throughout affected areas.
Several municipalities on Tenerife faced unique challenges, with incidences reported in localities such as San Cristóbal de La Laguna and Santa Cruz de Tenerife, where fallen trees and damaged infrastructure have become common sightings. Emergency responders have also addressed reports of uprooted Christmas decorations and damaged public lighting.
Notably, the storm's impact extended to transportation as well; flight operations at Tenerife North Airport suffered delays, with some flights redirected to Tenerife South due to poor conditions. The AEMET (Agencia Estatal de Meteorología) has activated red alerts for the most affected areas, signaling the severity of the situation. They indicated, "Las rachas que han superado los 100 kilómetros por hora fueron comunes en las islas afectadas por la borrasca Dorothea."
Given the prevalence of strong winds and storm conditions, local authorities have continuously urged residents to exercise caution, particularly along coastal regions, which are susceptible to dangerous waves and currents. The government has implemented response protocols to assist those affected and restore normalcy.
Despite disruptions, the region's emergency responses have demonstrated resilience and adaptability to extreme weather events. The focus is expected to remain on safety precautions as wind gusts persist, sustaining their threat level with expectations of similar conditions continuing through the coming days.
Looking forward, meteorological forecasts suggest continued strong winds, particularly across El Hierro and La Gomera, leading to sustained alert levels. Weather advisories recommend thorough monitoring for updates as the storm system progresses. For individuals planning to travel or engage in outdoor activities, checking local conditions and adhering to safety guidance remains imperative.
Storm Dorothea has undoubtedly tested the preparedness and response strategies within the Canary Islands, illuminating the area's vulnerability to extreme weather. Local communities rallying together will be instrumental as they navigate the aftermath of this potent storm, and as always, the hope for recovery is on the horizon.
For real-time updates, residents are encouraged to stay connected with local authorities and emergency services, as efforts to mitigate damage and restore services continue following Dorothea's tumultuous passage through this island paradise.
