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Date Published: 15/12/2025

Storm Emilia blankets Teide in snow not seen since 2016

Tenerife teams up for clean-up after 584 wind-related incidents

Storm Emilia has transformed Teide National Park into a winter wonderland, dumping up to one and a half metres of snow across the Ucanca Valley and peaks in Arico, Arafo and Güímar. It's the heaviest fall on Tenerife since 2016, with sub-zero chills hitting -4ºC, gusts peaking at 159 km/h in Izaña (and 109 km/h in Candelaria and Las Cañadas), plus over 69 litres per square metre of rain in Arico. Access to the park remains closed for safety, but the island council is already on the case.

The Cabildo de Tenerife (Island´s Council) president Rosa Dávila shared the plan: "A special snow operation is already underway, with more than a dozen personnel, to reopen the access roads to Teide as soon as conditions allow. The main objective is to guarantee the safety and protection of all the residents of Tenerife, and therefore all necessary resources are being coordinated with the utmost caution." Snowploughs from the Roads Department are clearing obstacles, aiming to get paths open when it's safe.

The storm whipped up 584 mostly minor incidents, all tied to fierce winds toppling trees, fences, streetlights and road debris. No serious injuries or major disruptions thankfully, though there were brief power cuts fixed by Endesa, some flight delays at Tenerife North Airport, and a shelter in Puerto de la Cruz that housed two people. Maritime services kept running smoothly, and 374 staff plus 19 town councils stayed on high alert via the Island Territorial Emergency Plan.

You might like: Storm Emilia brings more widespread torrential rain: Spain weather forecast Dec 15-18

Islander councillor Blanca Pérez praised the response: "The Island Council will keep all resources activated to restore normalcy and safety following the incidents. The efforts of the municipalities and the 374 personnel who were on duty have ensured the safety of the entire island." Measures like closing trails in protected areas, banning camping and suspending buses to Masca and Punta de Teno are still in place.

For now, authorities are urging people to follow updates from official channels and avoid non-essential trips while the emergency plan remains active. Once cleared, locals can head back up to enjoy that rare snowy Teide vista safely.

You might also be interested in: Big changes coming to Spain's Mount Teide: What walkers need to know before their next visit

Images: Cabildo de Tenerife

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