Travellers in Tenerife have been advised to take “maximum caution” as Storm Therese sweeps the Canary Islands.
Tenerife has declared a state of emergency attributable to heavy rainfall. Access to Mount Teide has closed attributable to snow, shortly earlier than the busy Easter journey interval.
Aemet, Spain’s meteorological company, issued yellow and orange climate warnings throughout the Canary Islands on Thursday, with sturdy gusts of wind, downpours, flash flooding and tough seas forecast.
Island president Rosa Dávila mentioned that the Island Emergency Plan will stay lively whereas Aemet holds orange climate warnings.
Dávila mentioned on Friday: “The night has left numerous incidents such as falling lights, outages, power outages and water accumulation. Several rescues have also been carried out in coastal areas and ravines due to the strong waves and rising water.”
Here’s the whole lot travellers have to know concerning the storm in Tenerife and the newest journey recommendation.
Where has Storm Therese hit?
On Thursday, Aemet mentioned remoted chilly entrance Therese had “deepened west of the Iberian Peninsula”.
The storm is predicted to journey over the Canary Islands – notably Tenerife and La Palma – however adversarial climate in Gran Canaria “cannot be ruled out”.
On Friday, the frontal system will end crossing the archipelago, extending rainfall to the jap islands, added Aemet.
Are flights to Tenerife disrupted?
Arrivals and departures from Tenerife’s South and North airport seem like working largely as scheduled regardless of Storm Therese.
However, the extreme climate may trigger important journey disruption for holidaymakers, together with last-minute flight cancellations and diversions throughout the Canary Islands.
According to Flightradar24, 22 flights are delayed at Tenerife North airport on Friday morning.
What do the Spanish authorities say?
Spain’s state meteorological company, Aemet, has issued orange and yellow climate warnings throughout the Canary Islands.
Aemet mentioned in a notice that rainfall, wind and waves would sweep the realm from Thursday, 19 March till “at least” Sunday.
The climate monitor forecast sturdy gusts of wind, very heavy downpours, flash flooding and tough seas with waves over 5 metres excessive.
Rainfall totals are predicted to exceed 300mm in elements of La Palma and Tenerife, with “significant accumulations” of snow anticipated on island peaks.
Tenerife’s president advised individuals on the island to train “maximum caution and responsibility”, observe the recommendation of emergency providers and “avoid unnecessary travel”.
UK authorities recommendation on travelling to Tenerife
As of 20 March, the UK Foreign Office (FCDO) has not issued any new recommendation on journey to Tenerife throughout Storm Therese.
General FCDO security warnings for Spain say: “Extreme weather can affect many areas of Spain, particularly over the summer months. Follow the Spanish Meteorological Office (AEMET) and European Meteorological Services for severe weather warnings.”
On flooding, it provides: “Flash flooding can cause travel disruption and damage to property and infrastructure. Check weather warnings from Spain’s meteorological office (AEMET) before travel and follow the advice of the local authorities.”
Can I cancel my vacation and get a refund?
As the Foreign Office has not warned in opposition to non-essential journey to Spain, there shall be no particular circumstances in place to have the ability to cancel a visit for a full refund. The situations for cancelling your journey shall be dependent in your vacation supplier, so it’s greatest to contact them in case you’re trying to postpone.
Some journey insurance coverage insurance policies embody pure catastrophe cowl for an occasion that stops you from reaching your vacation vacation spot. Speak to your insurer to see the place you stand.
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