The powerful cyclone Claudia, which hit Spain, has prompted weather alerts in thirty provinces across the country. Strong winds, torrential rain, storm waves and thunderstorms have forced local authorities to take urgent action to minimize the storm’s impact on residents and infrastructure.
The situation has been especially challenging in the Canary Islands, where due to severe conditions, authorities decided to cancel in-person classes in schools and switch to online learning. Officials also recommended that organizations and private companies move employees to remote work whenever possible. For people left without shelter or facing difficulties because of the weather, temporary accommodation centers were opened in municipal sports complexes in Granadilla de Abona, Arona, and Adeje.
In several regions, including Andalucía, Galicia, Castilla y León, Asturias, and Madrid, yellow and orange danger alerts were declared due to strong winds and heavy rain. In specific areas such as Cordillera Cantábrica and Picos de Europa, gusts reached hazardous levels, resulting in partial road closures and restricted access to mountain routes. In coastal zones, for example in Galicia and southern Andalucía, storm waves forced some ports to temporarily halt operations and limited access to the sea.
Heavy rains accompanied by thunderstorms have been reported on the islands of Tenerife and Gran Canaria. As a result, popular tourist routes, forest trails, and recreational areas have been closed, including Teide National Park, as well as the Anaga and Teno nature parks. Authorities have strongly urged residents and visitors to avoid traveling and hiking in the mountainous and forested areas until weather conditions stabilize.
Weather anomalies and regional impacts
Meteorologists note that the heaviest rainfall and strongest winds hit the western part of the country. In Galicia and the western sections of the Sistema Central, rain was especially intense, while some areas of Andalusia and Extremadura experienced thunderstorms with very strong gusts of wind. In isolated cases, there were even reports of brief tornadoes and waterspouts.
Throughout the day, precipitation gradually spread to other regions; however, the eastern part of the peninsula and the Balearic Islands remained largely unaffected by the cyclone. Meanwhile, heavy rains and thunderstorms continued on the Canary Islands until the evening, after which the weather began to improve from west to east across the archipelago.
Morning fog complicated road conditions in mountainous areas and along the eastern coast. Temperatures were uneven: in Melilla, thermometers rose above 30 degrees, while in central and southern regions there was a noticeable cold snap. In the Canary Islands and in the country’s interior, minimum temperatures also dropped, adding to residents’ discomfort.
Wind and waves: added risks
Strong winds were recorded throughout the country during the day, especially in western and mountainous regions. On the Atlantic coast, gusts reached dangerous levels, posing a threat to maritime transport and coastal communities. In the Canary Islands, winds shifted from the southwest to the west, strengthening to storm levels and making the work of rescue and utility services more difficult.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation and urge people to exercise caution, stay informed, and avoid leaving their homes unless necessary. Weather conditions are expected to gradually improve over the next 24 hours, but the aftermath of the severe weather will continue to affect the regions for some time.
