The storm Dorothea passes through the province of Las Palmas, marking its impact on the western islands. The Government of the Canary Islands has issued a maximum alert due to turbulent seas across the region and strong winds in El Hierro, La Gomera and parts of Tenerife. Over 5,000 lightning strikes were recorded on the night from Saturday to Sunday, along with 300 incidents reported since the onset of this meteorological phenomenon as detailed by the 112 Emergency Coordination Centre. Gusts of wind reaching up to 130 kilometres per hour were observed in El Hierro, resulting in fallen trees, landslides, damage to power lines, destruction of street furniture on various islands, and altered flight paths. Consequently, the Ministry of Education has announced the cancellation of classes this Monday on the three western islands. Additionally, there is a possibility of calima and a fire risk alert in the peaks and southern regions of Gran Canaria.
On Sunday, La Vega de San Mateo recorded 15 litres per square metre. Las Cañadas del Teide (Tenerife) noted a similar amount, with almost 14.5 litres recorded at various points in the tourist municipality of San Bartolomé de Tirajana, marking absolute maximums within the Archipelago.
The forecasts were realised, with wind gusts of 129 kilometres per hour noted in Agulo and 126 in Arure (both located in La Gomera), according to AEMET. However, the Government of the Canary Islands reports that 130 kilometres per hour were reached in El Hierro, which remains under red alert.
Alert for wildfires in Gran Canaria
Simultaneously, the Cabildo of Gran Canaria continues with the wildfire alert for altitudes exceeding 1,000 metres in the north and above 400 in the south. This declaration stems from the presence of dry continental African air, accompanied by haze and winds from the southeast, a consequence of Storm Dorothea’s impact on the Canary Islands. Forecasts predict persistent strong winds with potentially hurricane-force gusts downwind.
Moreover, relative humidity has dropped below 30% between altitudes of 400 and 600 metres, amidst a context of drought and significant water stress affecting vegetation.
This situation entails a ban on fire usage in all forms of open spaces; including in hostels, camping zones, and recreational areas (this prohibition extends to the use of built-in barbecues situated in these locations).
A family watches the powerful waves crashing on the shore this Sunday in Tenerife. / Arturo Jiménez
Cancellation of events
The adverse weather conditions have compelled the Ministry of Education to suspend educational activities, both formal and informal, in El Hierro, La Gomera, and the Tenerife municipalities of Santa Cruz, La Laguna, Tegueste, Tacoronte, Candelaria, and El Rosario. This is due to forecasts suggesting that strong wind gusts may persist, potentially surpassing 120 kilometres per hour, thus maintaining a maximum alert (red level). La Palma and the southern and eastern areas of Tenerife (orange level) are also under alert for these reasons, with a pre-alert issued for Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, and Fuerteventura.
Furthermore, the storm has necessitated the closure of the Santa Catalina amusement park in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, as well as the cancellation of programs and events in Galdar, along with various public activities, including the football match in Tenerife.
The Government of the Canary Islands also maintains an alert for coastal phenomena, which may reach heights of four metres, combined with a dangerous swell present.
