On March 6, 2025, heavy rainfall caused flash floods in the Canary Islands, particularly impacting Gran Canaria and Tenerife. The storm brought over 30mm of rain to Telde, nearly three times the average for March, leading to significant disruptions for the islands’ residents.
- Heavy rainfall hits Canary Islands, especially Gran Canaria.
- Flash floods cause significant damage and disruption.
- Storm Dana leads to unstable weather conditions.
- Cyclone Alfred threatens eastern Australia with flooding.
- Southern US experiences severe storms and tornadoes.
- Mardi Gras festival disrupted by extreme weather.
The storm affecting the Canary Islands was driven by a weather system known locally as Dana, which occurs when cold air at high altitudes interacts with warm, moist air below. This interaction creates unstable conditions, resulting in significant rainfall. The islands’ mountainous terrain and urbanization exacerbated the flooding, leading to flash floods that submerged homes and swept vehicles out to sea.
Key impacts of the storm include:
- More than 30mm of rain recorded in Telde, Gran Canaria.
- Flash floods turned streets into rivers, affecting local infrastructure.
- Airports and popular beaches closed, impacting over 850,000 residents.
In addition to the rain, snow accumulated on Mount Teide in Tenerife, complicating emergency response efforts. The Dana system is expected to move northeast, bringing heavy rain to mainland Spain in the coming days. Concurrently, Cyclone Alfred is forming in the Coral Sea and is expected to make landfall in eastern Australia, affecting millions with strong winds and heavy rainfall.
The severe weather in the Canary Islands highlights the challenges posed by climate-related events. As the storm system moves, residents and authorities must remain vigilant and prepared for further impacts, particularly as similar weather patterns are expected to affect other regions, including mainland Spain and eastern Australia.