Aemet has issued a special adverse weather warning that has forced cancellations and closures in the Canary Islands in an unfolding uk tourists tenerife emergency. The warning, active from March 19 to March 22, 2026 (ET), follows the arrival of Storm Therese bringing strong winds, heavy rain and coastal storms to the archipelago. Local authorities and festival organisers have moved quickly to prioritise safety as schools, flights and carnival events are disrupted.
Uk Tourists Tenerife Emergency — Disruptions across the islands
Most immediate: more than 20 flights were cancelled at airports across the Canary Islands, with multiple inter-island services diverted or returned to origin. At El Hierro Airport one flight from Tenerife North turned back; La Palma Airport saw incoming services rerouted to Tenerife South and Gran Canaria. Schools have been closed across several islands — Tenerife, La Palma, La Gomera, El Hierro and Gran Canaria — with Lanzarote and Fuerteventura scheduled to close later in the week as the storm moves east.
The special adverse weather notice from Aemet highlights the risk that produced this uk tourists tenerife emergency: gusts forecast to exceed 90 km/h in summits, mid-altitude areas and exposed slopes, with coastal waves exceeding five metres in parts of the west and south of the archipelago. A frontal system crossing from west to east is expected to bring heavy showers in the western islands and southern Gran Canaria, with persistent precipitation on high ground and the possibility of thunderstorms.
Official warnings and local responses
Aemet said: “The center of Storm Therese will be located northwest of the archipelago, resulting in a shift and intensification of the wind to the west and southwest. Gusts are expected to exceed 90 km/h in the summits, mid-altitude areas, and exposed slopes of the islands, and 70 km/h elsewhere. ” The agency also warned that the snow level will drop to 1, 800–1, 900 metres with significant accumulations expected on the peaks of La Palma and Tenerife.
San Bartolomé de Tirajana City Council has postponed several carnival events and will reassess the Grand Parade scheduled for the weekend based on security and emergency services’ assessments. The City Council said it will continuously monitor conditions and set new dates for affected events, adding that the Department of Festivals and Events is calling for responsibility and urging the public and media to follow information issued through official channels. The City Council said it “appreciates the understanding and cooperation of residents, visitors and participants. “
What’s next — safety measures and forecasts
Authorities warn the unstable weather is likely to continue into the weekend, with more rainfall expected to reach the eastern islands and persistent instability in the west. Strong gusts and rough seas remain likely through the warning period, though forecasts indicate winds should subside by Sunday. Transport and event authorities will publish new schedules and cancellations through their official channels as they reassess conditions and safety on the ground.
Travelers and residents should expect continued disruption and follow instructions from Aemet and local authorities during the uk tourists tenerife emergency, with further updates expected as services and event organisers confirm revised plans.
