Teide Transformed by Historic Snowfall
The passage of Storm Emilia across Tenerife has left a remarkable 1.5-metre-thick blanket of snow in Teide National Park, a snowfall not seen on the island since 2016. The snow covers the entire Ucanca valley, as well as the highlands of Arico, Arafo, and Güímar, according to the Tenerife Island Council. The council has organised a special snow operation, involving more than a dozen personnel, to reopen the access roads to Teide once conditions allow.
Emergency Coordination and Public Safety
The council’s president, Rosa Dávila, stated that the primary objective is “to guarantee the safety and protection of all Tenerife residents,” adding that all necessary resources are being coordinated “with the utmost prudence.” During the storm, a total of 584 incidents related to the strong winds were recorded, according to an updated report from the council under the activated Insular Territorial Emergency Plan (PEIN).
Throughout the episode, permanent coordination was maintained from the Insular Emergency Coordination Centre (CECOPIN) with the municipalities. Nineteen town councils activated their respective Municipal Emergency Plans (PEMU) and were in continuous contact to monitor the situation. The Tenerife Council insists on the importance of avoiding unnecessary travel, staying informed through official channels, and following the instructions of the authorities while the PEIN remains active.
Nature of Incidents and Impact on Services
The 584 logged incidents were largely due to wind, with operations involving the fall and removal of trees, fences, street lamps, urban furniture, and obstacles on the road network. No serious incidents or personal injuries were reported. Regarding essential services, issues on the road network were linked to the presence of obstacles, with no significant disruptions.
The wind caused delays and specific diversions at Tenerife North Airport, though no major incidents occurred; maritime transport remained operational. According to the utility company Endesa, there were localised power cuts which were progressively restored. Furthermore, a shelter with capacity for 20 people was set up in Puerto de la Cruz, which was ultimately used by two individuals.
Record Wind Gusts and Extreme Conditions
The storm brought wind gusts of up to 159 km/h at Izaña, with values of 109 km/h recorded in Candelaria and Las Cañadas. There were also sustained winds exceeding 60 km/h in mid-altitude areas and sub-zero temperatures in Teide National Park, with values as low as -4°C. Snow cover of at least half a metre was reported, alongside accumulated rainfall exceeding 69 litres per square metre in Arico, with significant totals also in Güímar and Arafo.
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