What does the rain alert mean for holidaymakers in the south?
The alert applies to the “área metropolitana de Tenerife”, the metropolitan area defined by Canary Islands emergency planning.
No separate alert level currently applies to the south of the island with its large holiday centres such as Playa de las Américas or Costa Adeje. The authorities warn, however, that the situation can change quickly and that the stronger development is expected especially from Sunday noon.
How much rain is expected?
The state weather agency AEMET expects up to 30 millimetres of rainfall within one hour in the metropolitan area. There is also a risk of significant rainfall totals within 12 hours, according to the Canary Islands emergency authority.
On the other western islands and Gran Canaria, AEMET expects around 15 millimetres per hour. The thunderstorms may be intense locally and at times, the government said.
What specific dangers are there?
At the expected intensity, rapid local flooding, difficult road conditions and traffic disruption are possible. The government statement does not mention any specific road closures, school closures or flight cancellations.
The authorities advise against driving during heavy rainfall. If a journey is unavoidable, drivers should use main roads or motorways, drive slowly and not cross flooded bridges.
What should residents and visitors do now?
The government recommends keeping up to date through the media and official channels. People should not stay in flood-prone areas such as garages or basements and should drink only bottled water if isolated.
The emergency number 112 is reserved exclusively for genuine emergencies. For general information, the government points to the number 012.
How long will the severe weather last?
The instability should continue on Monday, 2 November, on the western islands including Tenerife, according to the Dirección General de Emergencias; the available information does not give an end time of 18:00 for the yellow warnings. An AEMET warning for parts of Tenerife ran until 23:59 on Monday.
The available statements do not give a specific end date for the alert or pre-alert level. The Dirección General de Emergencias is monitoring the situation continuously and will update the conditions if necessary.
What is still open?
The government describes the further development as uncertain, particularly regarding the location, strength and duration of the rainfall. Changes to the warning level or an extension to other islands are therefore possible.
According to the available official information, no new fees, application deadlines or eligibility requirements apply to residents and visitors. The warning does not replace any individual closure or evacuation order.