Tourists vacationing in popular destinations have witnessed their accommodations damaged by severe weather conditions, with strong winds reaching up to 70mph, caused by what local sources are calling the “storm of the decade.”
Storm Therese has wreaked havoc across the Canary Islands, bringing wet and windy weather to areas that typically enjoy sunny and warm temperatures during this time of the year. Emergency protocols have been activated by local authorities, leading to the cancellation of outdoor activities and closure of gardens throughout the Spanish archipelago due to prevailing weather warnings marking the start of the spring season.
Photographs have captured the destruction inflicted on local structures, including a hotel where the roof collapsed, prompting warnings for people to remain indoors whenever possible.
The State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) has reported wind speeds exceeding 70mph, significantly surpassing the 54mph gale-force threshold. Tenerife has been placed on high alert, with orange alerts issued for Gran Canaria, El Hierro, La Palma, and La Gomera over the weekend.
Residents and tourists have been advised to exercise caution in these regions, with the Tenerife island council urging individuals to avoid unnecessary travel.
Holidaymakers staying at the Bahia Principe Fantasia in Golf del Sur recounted experiencing the storm’s impact firsthand, with one visitor describing how the hotel’s ceiling collapsed during the turbulent weather. Despite the dramatic conditions, the sun intermittently shines, drawing tourists back to the sunbeds.
Grupo Piniero, the hotel’s owner, has been contacted for comments. Affected areas in Tenerife have received temporary shelters, and access routes to the Teide National Park have been temporarily closed.
Despite the adverse conditions, tourists have ventured out to capture the tumultuous sea in action, with footage showing waves crashing against the coast in Tenerife. Images from coastal regions depict sea defenses being breached, resulting in flooding on streets and walkways.
While no casualties have been reported following the storm’s declaration by Portuguese authorities, emergency services have been mobilized to assist individuals impacted by the extreme weather. Maritime Rescue teams conducted a rescue operation near El Médano beach after a boat was swept away in rough waters, successfully rescuing sailors despite facing challenging conditions.
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