Storm Francis Brings Snow and Rain to Tenerife
The storm system named Francis has left a dusting of snow on the peak of Mount Teide and brought rain and winds to several municipalities across Tenerife. The island’s council, the Cabildo de Tenerife, has reported no major incidents so far but maintains its Island Emergency Plan (PEIN) on alert status due to the evolving situation. The storm continues to affect the island with rainfall, strong winds, and adverse coastal conditions.
Heavy Rainfall and Safety Warnings
Rainfall has been the most significant phenomenon to date, particularly on the island’s western slopes. The highest recorded totals include 34.5 litres per square metre in Santiago del Teide (Hoyos); 33.6 in Guía de Isora (Chioth); 32.6 in Buenavista (Palmath); 29.8 in Vilaflor (Imetos–Trevejos); and 28.4 in Granadilla de Abona. The president of the Cabildo, Rosa Dávila, has insisted on the need for extreme caution, advising people to avoid unnecessary travel and follow all instructions from emergency services for the duration of this adverse weather.
Closures and Minor Incidents Reported
Maximum wind gusts have reached 104.8 kilometres per hour at Izaña. Forecasts indicate rain will continue through the afternoon, while strong winds and rough seas will persist, especially on the northern and western coasts. The council reports that no serious incidents have occurred. Minor issues include raised sewer covers in Adeje, localised flooding in two commercial premises in Adeje and Santiago del Teide, and a minor landslide on the TF-21 road in Teide National Park (km 48).
Significant closures are in place as a precaution. The Teide cable car is closed due to snow from 2,700 metres altitude upwards. Canyoning and similar sporting activities are suspended for 1st and 2nd January 2026. The Barranco de Masca, the TF-445 road (access to Punta de Teno), and the Afur – Taganana – Afur hiking trail are all closed. Access to Teide National Park via the TF-21 (Boca Tauce–La Caldera) and TF-24 (Los Loros junction) was closed to traffic from 16:00.
Emergency Services Mobilised
Firefighters, BRIFOR, CECOPIN, Civil Protection, the Red Cross, and Roads Department personnel remain mobilised, with coordination and surveillance services reinforced. The emergency operation’s primary objectives are to guarantee public safety, protect property and infrastructure, monitor flood-prone areas, reinforce security on access roads to Teide National Park, and permanently coordinate all available resources.
La Palma and El Hierro Also Affected
Storm Francis, which has placed the Canary Islands on alert for rain, heavy swell, and winds, has also heavily impacted other islands. La Palma appears to be the most affected by precipitation so far, with 76.2 litres per square metre recorded at Roque de Los Muchachos. In the La Palma municipality of Puntagorda, 71.2 litres per square metre had fallen by 12:00, according to the State Meteorological Agency. Significant rain was also recorded in El Paso (53 l/m²) and Tijarafe (49 l/m²). On El Hierro, the storm deposited 31.4 litres per square metre in the municipality of El Pinar.
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