Canaries on High Alert as Storm Nuria Approaches with Hurricane-Force Winds
A RED alert has been declared for Tenerife and La Palma due to Hurricane-force winds expected from Storm Nuria, prompting school closures and travel advisories. The Canary Islands are preparing for dangerous weather conditions, including strong winds and heavy rain, with a major impact anticipated from April 3.
The Canary Islands’ government has issued a RED alert for Tenerife and La Palma due to imminent “hurricane-force” winds. Tourists are strongly advised to refrain from visiting these areas from midnight until April 3. Expected wind gusts will range from 68 to 81 miles per hour, along with hazardous sea conditions.
The most affected regions are anticipated to be Tenerife, La Palma, El Hierro, and La Gomera. High-altitude areas, including the summits of La Palma and Teide National Park, will also experience severe weather. Other islands will encounter strong gusts between 43 and 62 miles per hour, while Gran Canaria is under orange alert for its northern and mountainous regions starting on Thursday.
In response to Storm Nuria, schools across Tenerife, La Palma, and La Graciosa will close on Thursday. Typically, the Canaries enjoy pleasant weather with daily temperatures averaging 18°C, making them a favored destination for British tourists.
Spain’s Met Office, AEMET, has issued the Red Notice, forecasting wind gusts exceeding 130km/hour between 5 am and 5 pm on April 3, warning that the threat is significant and caution is required. Tourists are urged to secure their properties by closing windows and doors against the impending storm.
As the fourteenth named storm of the season, Nuria is set to impact not only the Canary Islands but the broader regions of Spain. Heavy rains, strong winds, and cooler temperatures will be present across Galicia, the Balearic Islands, and the Cantabrian mountain range, alongside yellow warnings in Cadiz, Huelva, and Seville.
The imminent arrival of Storm Nuria will disrupt the warm, dry weather previously experienced in Spain. Following severe flooding last month in Gran Canaria, where torrential rains led to significant damage and flash floods, this new storm brings renewed concern for the islands. Dramatic footage from recent floods showed perilous conditions, including a woman rescued from submerged vehicles in Gran Canaria, highlighting the urgent requirement for safety measures.
The Canary Islands are bracing for Storm Nuria, with a RED alert in effect for Tenerife and La Palma due to severe weather conditions. Tourists are advised to avoid travel to these areas, and authorities have closed schools in anticipation of extreme winds and rain. This storm follows a period of concerning flooding that recently affected the region, prompting heightened safety measures and caution for both locals and visitors.
Original Source: www.thesun.co.uk
