The Canary Islands are on orange alert due to the passage of depression Therese, causing major disruptions to transport and education.Breaking News, Climate, Society, orange alert, Canaries, education, meteorology, perturbations, precipitation, civil security, storm Therese, Transports, strong winds, AFE PACKAGE, newsThe Canary Islands are on orange alert due to the passage of depression Therese, causing major disruptions to transport and education.
Since this morning of March 19, 2026, the Canary Islands have been facing a meteorological episode of rare intensity. The depression called Therese is hitting the archipelago with precipitation that could exceed the usual annual totals in certain areas. The authorities have triggered the orange alert level, anticipating significant consequences on the daily lives of residents.
According to forecasts from the National Meteorological Agency, strong winds will peak at 90 kilometers per hour on exposed coasts. Waves could exceed seven meters in height, making navigation particularly dangerous. This exceptional situation is explained by the convergence of several contrasting air masses above the Atlantic.
Air traffic is already experiencing significant disruption with the cancellation of eleven flights, mainly from Tenerife North airport. Airlines recommend that travelers check the status of their reservations before traveling to airports. Port authorities have temporarily closed the ports of Arrecife and Puerto del Rosario as a security measure.
The education system has taken preventive measures by suspending face-to-face classes in the western islands of the archipelago. This decision affects thousands of pupils and students who will follow their lessons remotely for the duration of the alert. Schools remain open only for essential administrative staff.
Civil protection services have been strengthened with the activation of specific emergency plans. Rescue teams are positioned in the most vulnerable areas, ready to intervene in the event of flooding or landslides. The authorities recommend that the population avoid non-essential travel and keep informed of weather developments.
The economic impact is already starting to be felt with the cancellation of several cultural and sporting events planned for this weekend. Tourism professionals, a vital sector for the archipelago, are concerned about the medium-term consequences on tourist numbers. Some agricultural activities could also suffer significant damage.
Forecasters estimate that the most intense effects of the storm will be evident starting this afternoon and lasting until tomorrow morning. The situation should gradually improve at the end of the week, but precautions will remain necessary for several days. Water accumulations could persist in low-lying areas.
This meteorological episode is part of a series of extreme phenomena which have regularly affected the region in recent years. Scientists emphasize the need to strengthen infrastructure and warning systems to deal with these increasingly frequent events. The resilience of island territories in the face of climate change is becoming a major public policy issue.
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