Hurricane-force winds slam Canary Islands, prompting red alert
The Canary Islands on Thursday, April 3, are dealing with the Nuria low-pressure system, which has brought hurricane-force winds to the paradise archipelago. Weather warnings have been issued for Tenerife and La Palma.
Usually, at this time of year, the Canary Islands enjoy sunny weather and temperatures around 18°C. Unfortunately, residents and tourists are currently facing exceptionally unfavourable conditions.
Armageddon in the Canaries
The Spanish State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) has announced a red alert for the eastern part of La Palma and orange alerts for other regions.
Storm Nuria is expected to bring wind gusts of up to 130 km/h on La Palma. On Gran Canaria, La Gomera, El Hierro, and Tenerife, islands for which orange alerts have been issued, winds will blow at speeds of up to 100 km/h. The calmest conditions are expected on Lanzarote—the island of the archipelago closest to Africa.
Schools in Tenerife, La Palma, and La Graciosa remain closed. "The Nuria low will bring wind gusts exceeding 130 km/h between 5:00 AM and 5:00 PM on Thursday, April 3. The threat is extraordinary. Extreme caution is advised," warned AEMET.
The authorities have urged residents to stay indoors, as well as to secure doors, windows, and awnings and protect items in gardens, terraces, or balconies. Tourists have also been advised to cancel all outings.
Apart from the Canary Islands, Nuria will bring rain, strong winds, and lower temperatures to many regions of Spain, including Galicia, the Balearic Islands, and the Cantabrian Mountains.
