Storm Therese is currently wreaking havoc across the Canary Islands, particularly Tenerife and La Palma, bringing a rare mix of heavy rain, 100 km/h (62 mph) winds, and significant snowfall in higher areas.

Authorities have declared a full-scale emergency in Tenerife, labelling it as one of the most severe storms to batter the archipelago in over a decade.

Spain’s meteorological agency, AEMET, has issued several weather warnings that will remain in effect throughout the weekend. Orange (high risk) alerts have been put out for northern Tenerife and parts of La Palma due to wind gusts reaching 90–100 km/h and heavy rainfall. Meanwhile, yellow warnings are still in place across all seven islands for rain, thunderstorms, and turbulent seas with waves surpassing 6 metres (20 feet).

Unusually for this time of year, significant snowfall has also blanketed Mount Teide and surrounding peaks above 1,800–2,000 metres.

The storm has led to widespread travel cancellations and safety-related shutdowns across the islands. More than 40 flights were cancelled or rerouted by Friday, March 20, mainly at Tenerife North and South airports. Passengers are advised to check their flight status via Flightradar24 or their airline.

Schools in Tenerife, Gran Canaria, and several other islands were shut on Thursday and Friday, whilst key roads, including access to Teide National Park and the TF-445 to Punta de Teno, remain closed due to ice and snow. Significant international events such as the Tenerife Bluetrail 2026 race have been either cancelled or postponed due to unforeseen circumstances.

On Friday (March 20), a Tenerife resident posting as @theknightstrider1 on TikTok delivered an update on the weather conditions to his 115,000 followers.

The car hire and bar owner, based in Playa de las Américas, was heard saying: “A little weather update for you then, it’s raining… it’s pretty grim and it’s gone really overcast as well.

“The rain showers are on and off, we haven’t really had any rain until now. It was okay this morning, but yeah it is raining. The current temperature’s around 18 degrees, not too cold but the umbrella’s are out, people are sheltering and it’s really not that nice.”

He further advised: “Bear in mind, you might get caught in the rain, have a brolly with you. Maybe some of the rain macs as well if you’ve got any, if not buy some because it’s on and off.”

One person commented: “Weather’s been awful the last three days, can’t wait to go home.”

Another added: “Arrive tomorrow, packed a brolly.”

A third expressed relief, writing: “This makes me so happy as someone who was going to go this week and changed to last week! Phew.” One perplexed individual asked: “Why is it every time it’s sunny in the UK it rains in Tenerife?”

Another resident of the Canary Islands also posted a weather update on TikTok from Santa Cruz de Tenerife, captioning the video, ‘Rain, wind and choppy ocean. Flights cancelled and diverted. Flooding in El Médano and roads closed. The storms Theresa and Samuel are hitting Canary Islands.’

He then stated in the clip: “Here if your weather update from Tenerife South on Friday March 20th, 2026. The two storms – Theresa and Samuel – are hitting the Canary Islands with force.

“As you can see here, we have quite a lot of waves here in the Troya area of Las Americas. The storms have caused quite a few incidents on the island, we have had 11 flights cancelled yesterday, 10 flights have been cancelled during the day today.

“We have had quite a few flights deviated to other airports as well and we have had ferries that have been cancelled because of the conditions out on the sea.”

He detailed how temperatures were currently hovering around 19 degrees and there had been sporadic rainfall which was “coming and going” alongside overcast conditions.

Are flights from the UK to Tenerife being cancelled?

Yes, flights from the UK to Tenerife are currently experiencing cancellations and significant disruptions due to severe weather from Storm Therese.

From Saturday, 21 March 2026, officials in Tenerife have declared an island-wide state of emergency due to severe weather conditions featuring heavy rainfall, fierce winds, and unprecedented snowfall at higher altitudes. Over 36 flights were cancelled earlier this week, with further disruption persisting today. Whilst many cancellations have affected inter-island routes, several international flights have been diverted or abandoned due to limited visibility and gale-force winds.

Currently, Tenerife North (TFN) airport has experienced the most significant impact, though Tenerife South (TFS) – which handles the bulk of UK arrivals – is also experiencing delays and some rerouted services.

Weather conditions are expected to remain hazardous until Saturday, with a progressive improvement predicted for Sunday, 22 March.

Major carriers serving the UK to Tenerife route, including Ryanair, easyJet, Jet2, and TUI, are urging passengers to confirm their flight status before heading to the airport.

If your flight is cancelled, contact your airline immediately to discuss rebooking or refund alternatives.