Deep “Therese” is now causing violent storms in the Canary Islands. Flash floods, flooding and extremely high waves are expected. The Teide volcano could intensify the storms, especially on Tenerife.

All schools and kindergartens on the islands of Tenerife, La Palma, La Gomera and El Hierro were closed on Thursday. Schools on all Canary Islands will remain closed on Friday.

Deep “Therese” brings up to 300 liters of rain

The low pressure area “Therese” is currently slowly moving across the Atlantic and is expected to reach the Canary Islands on Friday. This brings moist air into the region and leads to heavy rainfall and even the threat of hurricane gusts.

Up to 300 liters per square meter are possible locally. This can lead to flooding – especially in low-lying areas. Flash floods can occur in the islands’ gorges. “10 times the rain hits the Canary Islands – this is not a normal March,” says meteorologist Jan Schenk.

What is striking is that the greatest amounts of rain are expected in the south of the islands. The climate there is usually rather dry, desert-like. Precipitation usually hits the islands with the trade winds from the north.

Volcano can increase rainfall

The “Teide” volcano on Tenerife plays a special role. The mountain, which is more than 3,700 meters high, forces moist air masses to rise. This increases cloud formation and rainfall becomes heavier – especially on the mountain slopes.

At the same time, rainwater can drain away quickly in the steep terrain and the risk of local flooding increases.

Hurricane-like gusts from deep “Therese”

In addition to the rain, the “Therese” depression also brings strong winds. At higher altitudes, stormy to hurricane-like gusts are possible. On the coasts, the strong wind causes high waves. They can reach up to eight meters Waves in the Canary Islands to reach.

The weather situation on the islands will not ease again until next week. On Tuesday, the low pressure area will move south and lose its influence.