Britons on holiday in popular destinations have witnessed severe damage to their hotels caused by extreme weather conditions, including 70mph winds from what local reports are calling the “storm of the decade.”
Storm Therese has wreaked havoc across the Canary Islands, bringing wet, windy, and wintry weather instead of the expected sunny and warm conditions for this time of year. Local authorities have taken emergency measures, canceling outdoor activities and closing roads throughout the Spanish archipelago due to prevalent weather alerts during the first weekend of spring.
Dramatic images depict the destruction inflicted on local structures, with one hotel experiencing a collapsed roof, prompting warnings for people to stay indoors whenever possible.
The State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) in Spain reported wind speeds exceeding 70mph, significantly surpassing the gale-force threshold of 54mph. An island-wide alert has been issued for Tenerife, with orange alerts covering Gran Canaria, El Hierro, La Palma, and La Gomera on Saturday.
Residents and tourists in these areas have been advised to exercise caution, with the Tenerife island council urging individuals to avoid unnecessary travel.
Guests staying at hotels have also faced challenges as adverse weather conditions penetrated indoor spaces. An anonymous British holidaymaker at Bahia Principe Fantasia in Golf del Sur described witnessing the ceiling collapse during a stormy night filled with thunder and lightning. The aftermath showed water and debris on the floor of the dining area.
Despite the tumultuous weather, the sun occasionally breaks through, encouraging tourists to continue their pursuit of sunshine amid gusty winds and sporadic heavy rainfall.
Grupo Piniero, the owner of Bahia Principe, has been contacted for input on the situation. Affected areas in Tenerife have received temporary shelters, and access routes to Teide National Park have been closed as a precaution.
Despite the challenges, some tourists ventured out to capture striking images of the rough sea battering the coastlines. Pictures reveal water breaching sea defenses, flooding streets and walkways with significant amounts of water.
Fortunately, no casualties have been reported since the storm was named by Portuguese authorities last week. Emergency services have been active in assisting individuals affected by the conditions, including a recent rescue operation near El Médano beach where sailors were rescued from a vessel caught in turbulent waters.
Rescuers demonstrated bravery in rescuing individuals amidst perilous conditions, with reports indicating one person faced serious difficulties during the operation.
