The Canary Islands, a destination known for its sunny beaches and mild climate, has been experiencing extreme weather unlike anything seen in recent years.
Heavy rainfall triggered flash floods in several areas, leaving streets submerged and causing chaos for residents and tourists alike.
Adding to the surprise, snow blanketed parts of the region, including the iconic Teide National Park in Tenerife.
Flash Floods Turn Streets into Rivers
Telde, a major city on Gran Canaria, was one of the hardest-hit areas, as torrential rain led to rivers and streams overflowing.
Shocking videos captured torrents of muddy water rushing through the streets, sweeping away vehicles and leaving destruction in its wake.
One particularly harrowing moment showed a woman trapped in her sinking car, only to be saved by a brave passerby who waded through the floodwaters to pull her to safety.
Meanwhile, in Tenerife, extreme rainfall stranded around 80 people inside a supermarket, as rising waters in the parking lot made it impossible for them to reach their cars.
Emergency services worked tirelessly to pump out the floodwater and ensure the safety of those trapped inside.
Rare Snowfall Covers Teide National Park
While the floods wreaked havoc in low-lying areas, Tenerife’s Teide National Park was transformed into a winter wonderland.
The usually warm and dry volcanic landscape was covered in a thick layer of snow, a sight more typical of northern Europe than a subtropical island.
The Tenerife Cabildo shared striking images and videos of the snow-covered volcano, though authorities have since closed all access routes due to dangerous icy conditions.
The Science Behind the Storm
The extreme weather is being attributed to a meteorological phenomenon known as DANA (Depresión Aislada en Niveles Altos).
This occurs when cold air meets warm Mediterranean waters, creating towering storm clouds that remain stationary for long periods, leading to intense and prolonged rainfall.
These weather systems can also shift unpredictably, sometimes even moving backward.
According to AEMET, Spain’s national weather agency, the DANA system currently affecting the Canary Islands moved from the Gulf of Cadiz and is expected to keep conditions unstable until at least Thursday.
Authorities issued yellow and orange weather warnings for several islands, with Gran Canaria seeing some of the most severe storms.
Cars Swept into the Sea
Some of the most dramatic footage from the recent storms shows cars being washed away by raging floodwaters.
Videos captured vehicles being dragged tens of meters before disappearing into the ocean.
Others were left overturned or stacked against buildings, while street bollards and trash bins floated through submerged roads.
One of the most heavily impacted areas was the Las Bachilleras ravine, where multiple cars were carried away by the force of the flood.
Residents and emergency responders have since launched a massive cleanup effort, with shovels and brushes in hand to remove thick layers of mud from homes and streets.
Impact on Carnival Celebrations
The severe weather came at an unfortunate time, coinciding with the Canary Islands’ annual carnival celebrations.
Known for its vibrant parades, drag queen contests, and elaborate costumes, the festival had to be postponed in several locations.
With the event set to continue until March 9, organizers are hopeful that conditions will improve in the coming days.
Looking Ahead: When Will the Weather Improve?
Despite the chaos of the past few days, authorities remain optimistic that the worst is over.
Emergency services continue to operate on high alert, but weather warnings are expected to be lifted by Wednesday.
Residents have been urged to stay cautious and avoid unnecessary travel until conditions fully stabilize.
This latest weather disaster serves as a stark reminder of how unpredictable nature can be, even in regions known for their stable climates.
As cleanup efforts continue, the Canary Islands will be looking to recover from the devastation and return to the sunny paradise that visitors know and love.