What changes for visitors in the south of Tenerife?
For the east, south and west of Tenerife, the regional government forecasts gusts of up to 110 km/h. In the higher parts of the south and south-east, around Vilaflor, Arona, San Miguel de Abona, Granadilla de Abona and Arico, gusts of 85 to 105 km/h are expected.
On Tenerife the top level applies only to the peaks. The south, like the rest of the island, has been on the normal alert level since 18:00 on Tuesday.
The south-westerly wind picks up on Tuesday evening and peaks overnight into Wednesday. The authorities advise skipping unnecessary journeys during the hours of strongest wind, especially in the mountains.
No information on flights, ferries or road closures was available by Tuesday evening. Anyone travelling on Wednesday should check their status with the airline and with airport operator AENA.
Where is the wind strongest, and until when?
On La Palma the government expects the strongest gusts in the archipelago: up to 140 km/h on the northern and eastern slopes and up to 120 km/h in the west. The wind eases there from 09:00 on Wednesday.
According to Canarias7, AEMET has issued a red wind warning for La Palma and puts gusts at around 130 km/h. The figures differ slightly, and both are forecasts, not measurements.
On Tenerife, gusts of up to 120 km/h are possible along the north-western ridge, locally above 130 km/h at summit points. In Teide National Park and the Corona Forestal, the government forecasts up to 136 km/h, and gusts above 120 km/h may last there until 13:00 on Wednesday.
In the Teno mountains, on the Isla Baja and in the north-west, the government expects 90 to 105 km/h, for example in Buenavista del Norte, Los Silos, Garachico and El Tanque. The wider Santa Cruz area can expect 70 km/h or more.
What is the situation on the other islands?
On Gran Canaria, AEMET has issued an orange warning for wind and coast and a yellow one for rain. Gusts of 90 to 100 km/h are expected, possibly above 110 km/h in Artenara, Tejeda and Cruz de Tejeda, with waves of 3 to 4 metres.
In Las Palmas, outdoor sport on Las Canteras beach is suspended from midnight. It was also reported that terraces in Calle San Bernardo are banned.
On La Gomera the island emergency plan is active, and gusts above 100 km/h are expected. Hiking trails, forest tracks, one road and some visitor centres are closed.
For El Hierro the government likewise forecasts 100 km/h or more. Lanzarote, La Graciosa and Fuerteventura should expect gusts above 90 km/h, on Fuerteventura especially in the north, the north-west and the Jandía massif.
What else threatens besides the wind?
On La Palma the rain warning applies from 03:00 on Wednesday, with up to 30 l/m² an hour and 60 l/m² in 12 hours. An ES-Alert message (the emergency alert sent to mobile phones) is planned there for 18:00 on Tuesday.
The other islands are on a rain pre-alert, with up to 150 l/m² possible locally, mainly on La Palma and Tenerife. Temperatures rise because of the tropical element of the low.
The government rates Charles as a storm system with major impact. AEMET spoke of explosive cyclogenesis and says the low has lost its subtropical character but still brings wind, rain and high seas.
On 2 November, under a maximum warning for heavy rain, power failed across the whole of La Palma, reportedly affecting more than 50,000 customers. The cause has not been established.
What do the authorities advise visitors and residents?
The regional government recommends avoiding unnecessary journeys in the hours of strongest wind. Take particular care on roads, in the mountains, in natural areas and in exposed places.
The Dirección General de Emergencias (the regional emergencies directorate) lists falling trees and branches, landslides, flying objects and damage to street furniture as risks. Transport and basic services may also suffer.
Further advice comes from earlier storms between 2024 and 2026 and does not apply specifically to Charles. Bring loose items in from balconies, windows and roofs, and stay away from parks, woods, walls, signs and cranes.
When a red flag flies, beaches and the coast are off limits. In an emergency call 112, and otherwise keep the line free.
Drivers should slow down, grip the wheel firmly and take care when overtaking large vehicles. Motorbikes and trailers are particularly at risk.
What is still open, and what happens next?
On Wednesday 11 November, classroom teaching is cancelled on Tenerife, La Palma and La Graciosa: on La Palma because of the wind warning, on La Graciosa because of the coastal warning. The Consejería de Educación (the Canary Islands education ministry) decided after a meeting with the Dirección General de Emergencias y Protección Civil, and lessons move online where possible.
It is only the second school suspension of this school year, after the first on 15 September because of heat. Whether lessons run normally on Thursday 12 November is unknown, and an extension to more islands is not ruled out.
Employees can reportedly take up to four days of paid leave. This applies if the weather prevents or seriously endangers their journey to work.
In April 2025, Storm Nuria also brought maximum alert to Tenerife and La Palma, with gusts of 110 to 130 km/h forecast. The Cabildo of Tenerife (the island government) closed all hiking trails and access to Teide National Park then, and 15 flights were cancelled on La Palma.
The peak comes overnight into Wednesday. On La Palma the wind eases from 09:00, while gusts on Tenerife may last until 13:00, and the government can change warning levels and school decisions as the weather develops.