Aemet extends weather warnings across all Canary Islands due to Storm Claudia — rain alert upgraded to orange

The State Meteorological Agency (Aemet) has expanded weather alerts to cover the entire Canary Islands as Storm Claudia approaches. The agency has upgraded the rain warning to orange (significant risk) for La Palma, El Hierro, La Gomera, Tenerife and Gran Canaria until 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, due to the probability of heavy and persistent rainfall that could cause flooding.

Updated alerts

• Orange warning (rain):
  La Palma, El Hierro, La Gomera, Tenerife, Gran Canaria
• Yellow warning (storms):
  La Palma, La Gomera, Tenerife and El Hierro on Thursday, 13 November
• Yellow warning (strong winds):
  All islands except the metropolitan area of Tenerife
• Yellow warning (rough seas):
  North and south coasts of Tenerife, and the north of Gran Canaria

Aemet stresses that rainfall associated with Storm Claudia may lead to localised flooding, especially in ravines, low-lying areas and urban zones with poor drainage.

Government recommendations and safety measures

The Directorate-General for Emergencies of the Canary Islands Government warns that Storm Claudia will first impact La Palma before moving across the rest of the archipelago. Due to heavy rain and strong winds, authorities advise the public to:

If travelling by car:

• Avoid driving unless absolutely necessary.
• If driving is unavoidable:
• Use main roads or motorways and avoid forest tracks or secondary roads.
• Drive slowly and use low gears.
• Pay attention to water levels on the road and check whether brakes respond normally.
• Never attempt to cross bridges or roads if the water level is above the roadway.

At home and in buildings:

• Do not enter flood-prone areas such as basements or garages.
• Do not use lifts during the alert.
• Remove or secure flowerpots, outdoor furniture and loose items from balconies, windowsills or rooftops.
• Stay away from unstable façades, cornices, old buildings or construction areas that may be at risk of collapse.

During thunderstorms:

• Do not go outside to inspect damage caused by lightning.
• Avoid running or staying in open spaces during electrical storms.

Communications:

• Call 112 only for emergencies.
• For information, call 012.

Authorities also remind residents to be cautious around:

• Street lighting poles, scaffolding, cranes, billboards and illuminated signs
• Any object that could be blown away or fall due to wind gusts

Storm Claudia is expected to bring intense rain, thunderstorms, coastal storm conditions and severe wind gusts as it moves across the archipelago between Wednesday and Thursday. Residents and visitors are urged to follow updates from Aemet and emergency services and to take all necessary self-protection measures.