Recently, parts of the Canary Islands, a popular destination for millions of British tourists each year, have been severely affected by heavy flooding. Authorities in Gran Canaria and Tenerife are urging residents and visitors to remain indoors as the situation develops. Spain’s meteorological agency, AEMET, has issued a yellow alert for the islands of La Gomera, El Hierro, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, and specific areas of La Palma. This yellow warning indicates that, while there is no general meteorological risk to the population, certain weather conditions pose a risk in specific locations.
The southern, western, and eastern regions of Gran Canaria have experienced significant impacts, with alarming footage revealing cars in the town of Telde being swept out to sea by the relentless floodwaters. Local reports indicate that a storm cell dumped approximately 30mm of rain within just one hour. Emergency services have been mobilized not only to assist those affected but also to begin the clean-up process once the floodwaters recede, as many streets are left coated in thick layers of mud.
In the town of Guimar, located on the eastern side of Tenerife, around 80 individuals found themselves trapped in a supermarket as floodwaters rendered access to their vehicles in an underground car park impossible, according to reports from Canarian Weekly. Additionally, around Mount Teide in Tenerife, snowfall has led to road closures due to hazardous ice patches.
The harsh weather conditions have necessitated the cancellation of numerous carnival festivities across the islands, which typically occur throughout February and March. On March 2nd, the Canaries’ government issued a severe weather alert, forecasting heavy rains, as well as hail and snow, with AEMET predicting that these storms may persist until at least March 5th.
The Spanish Tourist Office in the UK stated, “We have been in close contact with our partners in Gran Canaria regarding the recent localized flooding in Telde. Emergency services are coordinating a comprehensive clean-up operation to restore normalcy to the affected areas. The local government is remaining vigilant and closely monitoring the situation.” Weather warnings are expected to remain in effect for the remainder of the week. At this time, there have been no reports of injuries among residents or tourists. Visitors are advised to stay informed through official channels and follow any guidance from local authorities to ensure their safety.
What is the weather forecast for the Canary Islands?
AEMET is currently warning of “heavy, or very heavy and persistent showers.” A yellow weather warning has been issued for all the islands until midnight on Tuesday. There is also a risk of snow in northern Tenerife until 6 PM on March 4th. Fortunately, weather conditions are expected to improve across the islands following the weekend, with sunshine anticipated to return to most areas by March 10th.
Is travel to the islands affected?
Despite some minor delays at Gran Canaria airport and the two airports in Tenerife on Monday, flight operations have largely returned to normal. Passengers are encouraged to verify any changes to their flight status before heading to the airport. EasyJet has confirmed that its flights to the Canary Islands are running as scheduled, while the airline continues to monitor the evolving situation.
The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has not issued any travel warnings related to the Canary Islands or the ongoing weather events. The regional government of the Canary Islands has released a statement from its general directorate of emergencies, advising the public to exercise caution while traveling and engaging in outdoor activities and to remain informed through official sources regarding potential changes in the weather and any new warnings issued by civil protection authorities.
The government has also recommended that during heavy rain, individuals should avoid driving unless absolutely necessary. If driving is essential, they should take extreme precautions, including driving slowly, sticking to main roads and motorways, avoiding secondary and unmarked roads, and maintaining a safe distance from other vehicles. Additionally, drivers are advised to check the weather forecasts and road conditions before embarking on any journeys.
What are my passenger rights?
Passengers whose flights are canceled are entitled to choose between a refund or rebooking on the next available flight to their destination, provided their flight falls under UK law. UK passenger rights apply to flights departing from a UK airport with any airline, arriving at a UK airport with an EU or UK airline, or arriving at an EU airport with a UK airline. If a delay or cancellation is determined not to be the airline’s fault, it may be classified as an “extraordinary circumstance,” which means passengers are unlikely to receive compensation for delays or cancellations, especially in cases of severe weather.
With the FCDO not advising against non-essential travel to Spain, travelers may also find it challenging to obtain refunds from tour operators if they decide against traveling.
Can I postpone my trip?
Travelers who prefer not to proceed with their journey should reach out directly to their holiday provider to explore available options, such as postponing their trip. The absence of FCDO advisories further implies that travelers may not be eligible for travel insurance payouts due to safety concerns.
