Canary Islands Brace for Storm Nuria: Red Alert Declared

A RED alert has been declared for the Canary Islands, particularly Tenerife and La Palma, due to impending hurricane-force winds from Storm Nuria. Tourists are advised to avoid these areas, and schools will close on Thursday. The storm represents a significant threat to property and will affect wider areas of Spain with heavy rainfall and harsh winds.

A RED alert has been issued by the government of the Canary Islands for Tenerife and La Palma, anticipating hurricane-force winds expected to arrive imminently. Tourists are advised to avoid these areas from midnight tonight through Thursday, April 3. The forecast predicts wind gusts ranging from 68 to 81 miles per hour, presenting significant danger alongside hazardous sea conditions.

Severe weather conditions are particularly anticipated on the western islands of Tenerife, La Palma, El Hierro, and La Gomera. High-altitude areas, including the summits of La Palma and the Teide National Park, will also bear the brunt of these severe winds. Other islands in the archipelago will experience strong gusts between 43 to 62 miles per hour, with Gran Canaria under an orange alert starting Thursday midday.

As a precautionary measure against Storm Nuria, educational institutions in Tenerife, La Palma, and La Graciosa will close on Thursday. The Canary Islands, often characterized by sunny weather and average temperatures around 18C during this season, are currently under threat from the incoming storm. Spain’s Met Office, AEMET, has confirmed this red alert for areas in the east of La Palma and Tenerife.

The Met Office issued a statement on social media stating, “Storm Nuria will leave hurricane-force wind gusts, exceeding 130km/hr, between 5am and 5pm (Canary Islands time) on Thursday, April 3. The danger is extraordinary. Extreme caution.” Tourists are instructed to secure their homes by closing doors and windows to minimize potential property damage during the storm.

Nuria represents the fourteenth high-impact storm of the season, which will also bring rain, strong winds, and cooler temperatures to other parts of Spain. Regions including Galicia, the Balearic Islands, and the Cantabrian mountain range are expected to receive heavy rainfall, alongside yellow warnings issued for Cadiz, Huelva, and Seville.

The onset of Storm Nuria marks a significant shift from the dry and warm weather that has prevailed in Spain in recent weeks. The Canary Islands are still recovering from severe flooding experienced last month; Gran Canaria was hit particularly hard by heavy rains, leading to flash floods that swept vehicles away and caused severe property damage.

In summary, the Canary Islands face a significant weather threat from Storm Nuria, which has prompted a RED alert, school closures, and safety warnings for tourists and residents alike. The islands brace for hurricane-force winds and substantial rainfall, ending a period of dry weather. Simply stated, caution is critical as authorities respond to the evolving storm conditions.

Original Source: www.thesun.co.uk