Storm Therese triggers 650 incidents in the Canary Islands today alone

In the coming hours, heavier and occasionally persistent rain is expected on Tenerife. The Canary Islands emergency number (112) has recorded 1,783 incidents caused by Storm Therese up to the afternoon of Tuesday, with more than 650 reported today alone.

Government Urges Residents to Avoid Unnecessary Travel and Follow Local Authority Guidance

Since the adverse weather began last Wednesday, and today (Tuesday, 24 March), the passage of Storm Therese has generated 1,783 incidents throughout the archipelago. By 18:00 h on this still‑ongoing day, 650 incidents had already been logged by the Emergency and Security Coordination Center (CECOES 112) of the Canary Islands Government.

• Geographic distribution:
  • Las Palmas province accounts for 59.39 % of the total, with the three eastern islands contributing:
    • Gran Canaria 55.80 %
    • Lanzarote 1.57 %
    • Fuerteventura 2.02 %
  • Santa Cruz de Tenerife province makes up the remaining 40.61 %, broken down as:
    • Tenerife 34.72 %
    • La Palma 3.87 %
    • La Gomera 1.51 %
    • El Hierro 0.50 %

From midnight to 18:00 h on Tuesday, the 112 service recorded 653 incidents, already surpassing the highest single‑day total of 350 cases registered on the previous Friday.

Activation of the PEINCA

In response to the intense rainfall—especially on Gran Canaria—the Directorate General of Emergencies of the Canary Islands Government has updated the Special Civil Protection and Emergency Response Plan for Flood Risks (PEINCA), declaring a flood emergency on Gran Canaria due to rising ravines.

• The rain alert remains active for the western islands and Gran Canaria.
• Pre‑alert status applies to Fuerteventura and Lanzarote under the Specific Emergency Plan for Adverse Weather Phenomena (PEFMA).
• A pre‑alert for storms covers the entire autonomous community.
• Additionally, the Territorial Emergency Plan for Civil Protection (PLATECA) issues a landslide risk alert for El Hierro, La Palma, La Gomera, Tenerife, and Gran Canaria.

Heavy Rain Expected in the Coming Hours

Meteorologists forecast increased rainfall intensity on Tenerife over the next few hours, with the possibility of brief, persistent downpours. By the end of the day, La Palma is expected to experience stronger rain accompanied by gusty winds reaching 70–90 km/h, potentially exceeding these speeds locally.

• Winds are projected to subside after 22:00 h, though occasional strong gusts may persist into early Wednesday morning.
• Overall, showers are expected to gradually diminish as the system moves away.

Precaution and Avoid Unnecessary Travel

The Directorate General of Emergencies calls on the public to limit travel, especially on secondary and interior roads. Residents should:

• Follow instructions from municipal councils and island governments.
• Respect road closures and signage, remaining aware of possible workers on the routes.
• Do not attempt to cross swollen ravines; if someone is in danger, call 112 immediately.

The Canary Islands Government also advises:

• Close and secure windows and doors to prevent water ingress.
• Use small protective barriers to safeguard against flooding.
• If caught driving in the storm, reduce speed, avoid standing water, and do not attempt to cross flooded sections.

In any emergency, contact 112 without delay for assistance.

For additional self‑protection tips, see the official guidance here.