Tenerife Activates Emergency Plan as Storm Charles Brings High Winds and Heavy Rain
Tenerife has activated its emergency plan and closed access to high-altitude areas as Storm Charles brings severe winds and heavy rainfall to the island.
Tenerife’s Island Council (Cabildo) has activated the Island Emergency Plan (PEIN) due to the arrival of Storm Charles. Starting at 8:00 p.m. this Tuesday, access to high-altitude areas and protected natural spaces will be closed as a precaution. This decision follows warnings from the Canary Islands Government, which expects the storm to reach its most dangerous point during the early hours of Wednesday.
Forecasters expect severe weather, with wind gusts potentially exceeding 130 km/h—and reaching up to 136 km/h near Mount Teide and the Corona Forestal. Combined with heavy rainfall of up to 20mm per hour and rough seas, authorities have raised the alert level for the island’s peaks. Closing these roads is intended to protect the public from the risk of falling trees and rockslides, which are common in the island's volcanic terrain during storms.
While these restrictions are strict, the Council has made exceptions for essential activities. Residents and workers can still access their homes, farms, or businesses, provided it is safe to do so. Anyone needing to cross closed areas for these reasons must coordinate with environmental agents first. Local municipalities have also been asked to activate their own emergency plans and cancel any outdoor events that could be affected by the weather.
There is no set end date for these restrictions. The Island Ministry of Natural Environment and Security will monitor the storm and decide when it is safe to reopen these areas. Until then, officials urge the public to avoid unnecessary travel and to follow all Civil Protection guidelines while emergency teams remain on standby.