Storm Dorothea has severely impacted the Canary Islands, leading to the issuing of multiple alerts and substantial disruptions across the region. The Spanish meteorological agency, AEMET, has noted the storm has brought extremely high winds and adverse weather conditions, prompting local authorities to take preventive measures against potential disasters.
The storm, initially positioned off the coast of the islands, is moving northward, but its effects are being felt widely. AEMET has reported sustained wind gusts exceeding 100 kilometers per hour, especially affecting El Hierro, La Gomera, and the northern and western portions of Tenerife. Consequently, the Government of the Canary Islands has declared maximum alert levels due to the hurricane-force winds threatening safety.
By Saturday, December 14, alerts were put in place for strong winds, coastal phenomena, and the risk of forest fires as the dry and hot air from Africa mixes with the storm's moisture. Local authorities across the islands have advised against outdoor activities, and many venues have been closed.
Temperature fluctuations and the onset of calima, or dust carried from the Sahara Desert, have compounded local weather challenges, leading to reduced visibility and heightened fire risks. With humidity expected to drop significantly, particularly at elevations above 400 to 600 meters, the authorities are bracing for potential wildfires, especially on Gran Canaria.
AEMET issued alerts on Saturday afternoon for regions like La Palma, sending predicted wind speeds and warnings to prepare for intensified conditions over the weekend. Discussions by officials suggest the worst of the storm would arrive by Sunday morning. Beyond the anticipation of powerful winds, areas like Gran Canaria and Lanzarote were expected to experience less intense but still dangerous wind gusts.
The situation, marked by weather conditions characterized by instability and unpredictability, has already led to major disruptions. The Government of the Canary Islands announced the suspension of various public employment examinations originally scheduled for Sunday, recognizing the heightened risks posed by Dorothea's advance.
Reports confirm over 4,000 lightning strikes were recorded within hours across the waters surrounding the islands, highlighting the storm's capacity to produce extreme electrical activity alongside strong winds and sporadic rainfall. The surge of electrical activity caught many residents off guard, drawing attention away from the impending hazards.
Local municipalities have executed emergency protocols, closing recreational areas and advising residents to stay indoors. The municipal government of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria has updated its emergency status to reflect the seriousness of the storm, recommending residents secure outdoor belongings and avoid unnecessary travel. An official statement advised caution and comprehensive emergency preparedness behind the municipal emergency plan (PEMULPA).
For those living and working around the northern and western regions of Tenerife, including Santa Cruz, the local government has indicated several imperative actions, reinforcing the need for community vigilance. Emergency teams have been directed to remain on standby as conditions may likely change rapidly. Street maintenance crews are set for immediate deployment if any uprooted trees or storm debris obstruct roadways, particularly busy transit routes.
This extreme weather event poses significant threats to safety, and residents are urged to pay close attention to AEMET updates to remain informed of the storm’s developments. The agency continues to collaborate closely with local governments to manage the response effectively.
El Hierro, La Gomera, and Tenerife remain under maximum alert as wind speeds reach alarming levels, with gusts predicted to reach beyond 120 kilometers per hour. AEMET's alerts remain in effect throughout Sunday, anticipating the storm system's impact to persist.
Despite the threats posed by Storm Dorothea, the local football match scheduled between Deportivo de La Coruña and Tenerife planned for Sunday evening is still on, though officials are monitoring the situation closely to make last-minute adjustments if necessary. Historical precedent from earlier incidents indicates such matches have been delayed due to severe weather conditions.
Throughout this period of unsettling weather, residents are reminded to take personal safety measures, including avoiding outdoor exposure until conditions stabilize and ensuring secure home environments against the potential force of the wind and waves.
Authorities recommend all residents remain vigilant, maintain updates on weather conditions, heed emergency alerts, and show caution when traversing local roads across the archipelago.
With Storm Dorothea’s impact expected to last through early next week before showing signs of subsiding, emergency preparedness is key for all on the islands as they brace against this extraordinary weather challenge.
