The Canary Islands are once again bracing for severe weather conditions as new alerts have been issued following the catastrophic floods that recently hit Lanzarote. Holiday hotspots across the popular Spanish archipelago are on high alert as strong winds are forecasted to sweep through the islands over the next 24 hours. The situation has been exacerbated by the heavy rainfall that caused significant damage in various parts of the region.
Last weekend, a Lanzarote town experienced an unprecedented amount of rainfall in just a few hours, surpassing the total rainfall for the years 2023 and 2024 combined. The Spain national weather service AEMET has issued yellow warnings for wind speeds exceeding 40mph on Easter Sunday, affecting areas in Tenerife, Gran Canaria, and La Gomera. With waves reaching heights of over six feet, millions of tourists, including many Britons spending their Easter holidays in the Canary Islands, have been advised to be cautious, particularly near the coasts and in mountainous regions.
Costa Teguise, a popular destination among visitors, was temporarily cut off due to the intense rainfall. Reports from local publications described the rainfall as “extremely heavy,” leading to flooding on several roads and blockages hindering access to the town. The capital of Lanzarote, Arrecife, has been designated a “catastrophe zone” following the widespread flooding that occurred over the weekend. Buildings and infrastructure in the city suffered extensive water damage, compounded by overflowing drains that emitted a foul smell of raw sewage into the streets.
Storm Oliver, which hit the Canary Islands earlier in April, added to the region’s challenges, with strong winds and heavy rains affecting areas such as Tenerife, Gran Canaria, and Fuerteventura. The adverse weather conditions led to UK-bound flights being diverted from Lanzarote as the storm swept across the island. AEMET has extended its warnings for strong winds along the coasts of Tenerife and Gran Canaria until midnight on Easter Monday, April 21, urging residents and tourists to remain vigilant during this period.
Despite the ongoing unsettled weather conditions, there is some relief in sight as the weather forecast for Lanzarote promises dry and sunny conditions for the upcoming week. According to the Met Office, temperatures are expected to rise to a pleasant 27°C by the end of the week, providing a much-needed respite from the recent inclement weather. Similarly, Tenerife is set to experience a significant temperature increase, possibly reaching a summery high of 30°C with minimal chances of rain for the remainder of the Easter holidays.
As the Canary Islands prepare for the looming weather alerts, residents and visitors are advised to stay informed and follow safety guidelines to minimise the risks associated with the severe conditions. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation and are prepared to respond swiftly to any emergencies that may arise. The resilience of the local communities and the support from tourists during these challenging times demonstrate the solidarity and strength of the Canary Islands in the face of natural disasters.