A favored British holiday destination has been issued a ‘maximum’ weather alert following emergency services reporting over 300 incidents throughout the weekend due to fierce winds.
The Canary Islands, including Tenerife, El Hierro, and La Gomera, faced winds reaching 80mph, resulting in fallen trees, damaged structures, and scattered debris.
In one occurrence, a ‘loose’ porta-loo was lifted from its place and subsequently collided with two police vehicles.
The severe weather affecting the southern Spanish islands was prompted by Storm Dorothea, which has unleashed robust south and southeast winds.
The islands’ government has elevated the alert status to ‘maximum’ in certain regions, warning both tourists and residents to ‘remain vigilant.’
The western island of El Hierro has been placed under a red alert by the Spanish State Meteorological Agency (AEMET), while Tenerife and La Gomera received amber alerts.
Other favored locales such as Gran Canaria and Lanzarote are under yellow warnings for winds expected to reach approximately 40mph.
In a recent post on X, AEMET cautioned of a ‘serious threat.’
The announcement stated: ‘Wind gusts exceeding 130km/h have been recorded, which may recur in the next hours.
‘Caution! The threat is severe.
‘In the remaining western islands, hurricane-force gusts may also be measured: considerable hazard.’
Those currently in the Canary Islands have been advised to secure loose items, refrain from outdoor activities, and keep emergency contact numbers readily accessible.
The Canary Islands, approximately a four-hour flight from London, rank among Europe’s most favored holiday hotspots for British travelers.
It is projected that 5.8 million Britons vacationed in Tenerife alone in 2022—making it the most visited island that year.
Gran Canaria followed closely, with 3.8 million tourists flying to this island in the North Atlantic Ocean.
Many Britons are likely eager to embark on another trip after experiencing a challenging autumn and early winter in the UK.
The nation has faced the impact of Storms Ashley, Bert, Connell, and Darragh in recent months, leading to flooding, property damage, and loss of life.
A Welsh rugby club also experienced its roof being blown off by the fierce winds.
South-west England was especially hard-hit. In one incident, nine cows were killed in Cornwall when a power line fell on them.
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