Travellers in Tenerife have been told to take “maximum caution” as Storm Therese sweeps the Canary Islands.

Tenerife has declared a state of emergency due to heavy rainfall. Access to Mount Teide has closed due to snow, shortly before the busy Easter travel period.

Aemet, Spain’s meteorological agency, issued yellow and orange weather warnings across the Canary Islands on Thursday, with strong gusts of wind, downpours, flash flooding and rough seas forecast.

Island president Rosa Dávila said that the Island Emergency Plan will remain active while Aemet holds orange weather warnings.

Dávila said on Friday: “The night has left numerous incidents such as falling lights, outages, power outages and water accumulation. Several rescues have also been carried out in coastal areas and ravines due to the strong waves and rising water.”

Here’s everything travellers need to know about the storm in Tenerife and the latest travel advice.

Where has Storm Therese hit?

On Thursday, Aemet said isolated cold front Therese had “deepened west of the Iberian Peninsula”.

The storm is predicted to travel over the Canary Islands – particularly Tenerife and La Palma – but adverse weather in Gran Canaria “cannot be ruled out”.

On Friday, the frontal system will finish crossing the archipelago, extending rainfall to the eastern islands, added Aemet.

Are flights to Tenerife disrupted?

Arrivals and departures from Tenerife’s South and North airport appear to be operating largely as scheduled despite Storm Therese.

However, the severe weather could cause significant travel disruption for holidaymakers, including last-minute flight cancellations and diversions across the Canary Islands.

According to Flightradar24, 22 flights are delayed at Tenerife North airport on Friday morning.

What do the Spanish authorities say?

Spain's state meteorological agency, Aemet, has issued orange and yellow weather warnings across the Canary Islands.

Aemet said in a notice that rainfall, wind and waves would sweep the area from Thursday, 19 March until “at least” Sunday.

The weather monitor forecast strong gusts of wind, very heavy downpours, flash flooding and rough seas with waves over five metres high.

Rainfall totals are predicted to exceed 300mm in parts of La Palma and Tenerife, with “significant accumulations” of snow expected on island peaks.

Tenerife's president told people on the island to exercise “maximum caution and responsibility”, follow the advice of emergency services and “avoid unnecessary travel”.

UK government advice on travelling to Tenerife

As of 20 March, the UK Foreign Office (FCDO) has not issued any new advice on travel to Tenerife during Storm Therese.

General FCDO safety warnings for Spain say: “Extreme weather can affect many areas of Spain, particularly over the summer months. Follow the  Spanish Meteorological Office (AEMET) and  European Meteorological Services for severe weather warnings.”

On flooding, it adds: “Flash flooding can cause travel disruption and damage to property and infrastructure. Check weather warnings from Spain’s meteorological office (AEMET) before travel and follow the advice of the local authorities.”

Can I cancel my holiday and get a refund?

As the Foreign Office has not warned against non-essential travel to Spain, there will be no special circumstances in place to be able to cancel a trip for a full refund. The conditions for cancelling your trip will be dependent on your holiday provider, so it’s best to contact them if you’re looking to postpone.

Some travel insurance policies include natural disaster cover for an event that prevents you from reaching your holiday destination. Speak to your insurer to see where you stand.

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