The Canary Islands have been hit by extreme weather including snow after being battered by Storm Therese, which has caused flash flooding and landslides
Elizabeta Ranxburgaj and Kirstie McCrum
21:34, 19 Mar 2026
Snow on Tenerife in the middle of March(Image: Tenerife Island Council)
A popular holiday destination favoured by Brits for its sunshine and warm climate has been unexpectedly covered in snow just days before Easter holidays.
The Canary Islands have been issued an orange alert following days of torrential rain and strong winds, with the dismal weather set to persist. Forecasts suggest the adverse conditions could last for at least another five days, potentially disrupting some holiday plans.
Startling images from Tenerife reveal the beloved holiday island blanketed in snow, with icicles even forming in certain areas. Astonished tourists captured footage of the white-out at Teide National Park, with some roads closed due to the unexpected weather.
Snowfall is anticipated to continue affecting parts of the island above 1,800-2,000 metres. Storm Therese has battered the islands with significant rainfall, resulting in flash floods and landslides in some regions.
Snow has hit Tenerife(Image: Tenerife Island Council)
Weather warnings were issued for the Canary Islands on Wednesday (March 18) for various forms of severe weather, including: storms, flooding, high winds, heavy rainfall and large waves, reports the Mirror.
Wind gusts have astonishingly surpassed 74 miles per hour in some locations, with the warm sunshine Brits typically anticipate nowhere to be seen for the coming days.
The dreadful weather has also caused travel disruption, with at least seven flights to the Canary Islands cancelled or diverted on Thursday. This follows the cancellation of 36 flights on Wednesday.
On Friday, conditions are anticipated to deteriorate and could mark the most severe phase of Storm Therese. Orange rain alerts have been issued for the islands of Tenerife, El Hierro, La Palma and La Gomera, according to Canarian Weekly.
Icicles forming on a roadside on Tenerife(Image: Tenerife Island Council)
Up to 11mm of rainfall is predicted to fall in just 12 hours on the holiday destination. An amber rain warning has been issued for Gran Canaria, with 80mm of precipitation expected. Forecasters have also predicted hazardous sea conditions between Tenerife and Gran Canaria, with waves reaching up to six metres and wind up to force eight.
Tourists and residents have been urged to avoid unnecessary travel during severe weather, exercise extra caution around coastal or mountainous areas and follow guidance from local officials. The weather has also forced schools on the Canary Islands to close until the extreme conditions pass.