Canary Islands Bracing for Severe Storm Theresa: Travel Disruptions Expected

The Canary Islands, a Spanish archipelago off northwest Africa and one of Europe’s most visited winter-sun destinations, are bracing for Storm Theresa in late March 2026 — a severe weather event bringing torrential rain, five-meter (16-foot) waves, and gale-force winds. According to Aemet, Spain’s national meteorological service, the storm has forced school closures across Tenerife, La Palma, La Gomera, and El Hierro, with widespread flight cancellations and ferry suspensions expected.

According to meteorologist Dr. Karsten Brandt, who recently spoke with BILD, the current weather situation is the result of an “omega block” pattern.

“This setup means the Canary Islands will experience localized, heavy rainfall that will last for several days,” Dr. Brandt explained. “Meanwhile, a high-pressure system is maintaining beautiful, stable weather over countries like Germany.”

Widespread Closures and Safety Measures

The impending storm has already triggered sweeping safety protocols, meaning visitors expecting a sunny beach vacation might find their itineraries heavily altered. In anticipation of the severe weather, local authorities preemptively closed all schools and kindergartens across Tenerife, La Palma, La Gomera, and El Hierro. As the storm system intensifies today, these mandatory closures have been expanded across the entirety of the Canary Islands.

Government officials have also urged residents and workers to transition to remote work wherever possible to keep the roads clear and minimize risk.

What Travelers Need to Know

For tourists currently on the islands, the next few days will likely be highly disrupted. Aemet, Spain’s national meteorological service, has issued urgent warnings across the region.

Here is what is currently expected:

• Gale-Force Winds: High-altitude regions are preparing for fierce wind gusts that could reach up to 90 km/h (56 mph).
• Extreme Rainfall: Meteorologists warn that some localized areas could receive precipitation equivalent to their normal annual rainfall in just a matter of days.
• Dangerous Coastal Conditions: The Atlantic is expected to churn out massive waves reaching up to five meters (16 feet) high, making beaches completely off-limits.
• Mountain Snow: Curiously, the storm’s intensity and associated temperature drops mean that locations situated above 1,800 meters might even experience unexpected snowfall.

Travelers relying on island-hopping ferries or scheduled flights should contact their transport providers immediately. With the storm intensifying, local authorities anticipate severe transport restrictions, with widespread flight cancellations and ferries remaining securely docked until conditions improve.

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