Storm Therese - Heavy rainfall on the Canary Islands

A powerful low-pressure system named Therese is currently causing very stormy weather in the Canary Islands. Due to the threat of severe weather, all schools and nurseries will be closed on Friday.

The authorities have urged people to work from home where possible. There are also transport restrictions: several roads have been closed on La Palma, and flights have been cancelled or diverted. Ferry services have also been suspended.

A strong south-westerly wind not only causes waves several metres high, but also intensifies the rainfall. The western Canary Islands in particular are quite mountainous, which leads to a wind-shadow effect.

On the south-western side of La Palma, Tenerife or Gran Canaria, rainfall of between 200 and 400 mm of rainfall is possible over the weekend. That is more than the average annual rainfall and could lead to flash floods and landslides.