Canary Islands ‘do not travel’ warning as Storm Laurence to batter holiday hotspot – Travel And Tour World

Wednesday, March 19, 2025
Spain issues urgent warnings as Storm Lawrench slams the Canary Islands with fierce winds, urging residents and travelers to stay cautious and avoid risks.
Authorities in the Canary Islands have issued a severe weather alert, cautioning residents and visitors against unnecessary travel as Storm Lawrench barrels past the archipelago, bringing intense winds and hazardous conditions.

The Canary Islands’ General Directorate of Emergencies has declared a pre-alert for strong winds across all islands, effective from Wednesday, March 19, at 8 a.m. GMT (9 a.m. local time). The storm is expected to unleash powerful gusts, prompting government officials to advise extreme caution, especially for those traveling by road, as fallen debris and unpredictable weather conditions could pose significant dangers.
According to forecasts, westerly winds will intensify across high-altitude areas, with gusts potentially reaching speeds of 44 mph (70 kph). Strongest winds are anticipated in the elevated regions of La Palma’s eastern slopes, the highlands of El Hierro, western La Gomera, and the northern coastal zones of Tenerife. Several municipalities, including Adeje, Arona, Vilaflor, San Miguel de Abona, Granadilla, Arico, and Fasnia, are expected to experience severe gusts at higher elevations.
As the day progresses, storm conditions will spread across the rest of the Canaries, with Gran Canaria’s northwestern and southeastern regions, as well as the islands of Lanzarote and Fuerteventura, bracing for high winds.

Residents Urged to Secure Property and Follow Safety Protocols

Officials are advising citizens to take precautionary measures, such as securing loose items on balconies, terraces, and rooftops, as the storm’s force could easily dislodge objects, creating additional hazards. Travelers and locals are urged to stay updated on official advisories and avoid unnecessary exposure to the elements. In case of emergencies, authorities stress the importance of contacting 112 to report any incidents requiring immediate assistance.
The decision to issue the alert follows data from the Spanish State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) and other monitoring sources, aligning with the Canary Islands’ Specific Emergency Plan for Adverse Meteorological Phenomena (PEFMA) and the Civil Protection and Emergency Response Plan for Flood Risk.

Coastal Flooding Alert Lifted, But Weather Remains Unstable

While storm conditions persist, authorities have lifted the coastal flooding alert, initially set at 8 p.m. local time on Tuesday, March 18. Improved conditions have reduced the risk of high waves reaching coastal promenades, beaches, and roads.
The arrival of Storm Lawrench comes just days after Storm Konrad pummeled the region, prompting AEMET to issue yellow weather warnings across parts of mainland Spain, including Malaga, the Costa del Sol, Guadalhorce Valley, Axarquía, and Ronda. Heavy rainfall in those areas led to accumulations of up to 15 liters per square meter within an hour and 40 liters over 12 hours.

More Rain in Store for Majorca and Mainland Spain

Meanwhile, tourists traveling to Majorca and the Balearic Islands may also experience stormy conditions, with persistent rain potentially lasting into April. Spain has already recorded an unusually high amount of precipitation this month, with rainfall in the first nine days of March matching the typical total for the entire month.
With unstable weather patterns continuing, authorities emphasize vigilance and preparedness for residents and travelers alike.

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Tags: canary islands, extreme weather, spain, Storm Lawrench, Travel News