Canary Islands Under Hurricane Alert as Storm Nuria Approaches
The Canary Islands have issued a red weather alert as Storm Nuria brings severe winds and adverse weather. Schools are closed, and tourists are advised to stay indoors. High winds, rough seas, and flash floods characterize the current conditions, which follow a recent trend of extreme weather in the region and elsewhere in Europe.
The Canary Islands are currently under a red weather alert due to Storm Nuria, which is unleashing severe weather on the region. This warning, initiated at midnight on Thursday, will last for 24 hours and anticipates strong winds and dangerous conditions, particularly in Tenerife and Palma. The Spanish weather agency, AEMET, has reported gusts reaching hurricane-force levels of up to 80 mph across these islands, while Teide National Park is expected to bear the brunt of the storm.
In response to these conditions, local authorities have mandated that schools remain closed, and tourists must stay indoors with windows secured. Other islands in the Canaries, including El Hierro, La Gomera, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, and Lanzarote, are also forecasted to experience robust winds approaching 60 mph. The seas around La Palma, El Hierro, and Fuerteventura are predicted to be extremely rough, with swells reaching up to 16 feet.
Recently, the islands have witnessed extreme weather patterns, including a rare snowfall covering Mount Teide. Flash floods have also plagued the region, notably affecting Telde on Gran Canaria, where torrential rain transformed streets into rivers. Disturbing videos depict flooding incidents, with vehicles swept away and stranded individuals requiring rescue.
This storm follows similar severe weather incidents in Greece, where floodwaters overwhelmed the islands of Paros and Mykonos, inundating streets and carrying debris and vehicles away.
In summary, the Canary Islands are facing a severe weather alert due to Storm Nuria, bringing hurricane-force winds and heavy seas. Authorities are advising safety measures, including school closures and restrictions for tourists. Recent weather instability has already led to significant flooding on Gran Canaria and correlated issues in Greece, emphasizing the need for continued vigilance against extreme weather events.
Original Source: www.express.co.uk
