Canaries on Red Alert as Storm Nuria Approaches, Warnings Issued for Tourists

A red alert has been issued for Tenerife and La Palma due to Storm Nuria, forecasting hurricane-force winds and heavy rainfall. Tourists are advised to avoid these areas, schools will be closed, and precautionary measures are urged for property safety. The storm disrupts Spain’s recent warm weather, recalling previous severe flooding incidents.

A red alert has been issued by the Canary Islands government for Tenerife and La Palma, indicating that hurricane-force winds will arrive imminently. Tourists are advised to avoid these regions from midnight until Thursday, April 3. Winds are expected to reach speeds of 68 to 81 miles per hour, accompanied by perilous sea conditions, affecting primarily Tenerife, La Palma, El Hierro, and La Gomera.

High-altitude areas, including the peaks of La Palma and Teide National Park as well as parts of Tenerife near the southern airport, are projected to experience severe weather. Other islands in the Canary archipelago, such as Gran Canaria, anticipate wind gusts between 43 to 62 miles per hour. An orange alert has been issued for Gran Canaria’s northern and mountainous regions from midday on Thursday until midnight.

In response to Storm Nuria, schools in Tenerife, La Palma, and La Graciosa will be closed on Thursday. The Canary Islands, known for their typically pleasant weather and average temperatures of 18°C during this period, have been warned by the AEMET, Spain’s meteorological agency. They stated that this storm is predicted to bring wind gusts exceeding 130 km/h between 5 a.m. and 5 p.m. on April 3, advising extreme caution.

Tourists have been urged to secure their properties by closing doors and windows to mitigate storm damage. Storm Nuria is the fourteenth named high-impact storm of the season, expected to affect not only the Canary Islands but also much of mainland Spain with rain and strong winds. Heavy rains are anticipated in Galicia, the Balearic Islands, and the Cantabrian mountain range, alongside yellow warnings issued in Cadiz, Huelva, and Seville.

This storm marks a departure from the dry and warm weather experienced recently in Spain. The Canary Islands are still recovering from last month’s severe flooding, which left Gran Canaria particularly impacted as torrential rains swept away vehicles and inundated streets with mud and debris, prompting local authorities to instruct residents to remain indoors.

In summary, the Canary Islands face a significant threat from Storm Nuria, prompting a red alert for hurricane-force winds and adverse conditions. Tourists are advised to avoid affected areas, schools will be closed, and extreme caution is recommended due to expected wind gusts and rain across the region. This storm alters the recent spell of warm weather and comes on the heels of last month’s flooding disaster.

Original Source: www.thesun.co.uk