Eastern La Palma and the island’s high ground could see up to 100mm of rain in 12 hours, including around Breña Baja and Breña Alta, as well as Santa Cruz de La Palma. The forecast also covers the north of the Caldera de Taburiente. AEMET forecasts cited by elDiario.es Canarias Ahora put possible rainfall intensity at up to 30mm in one hour across the island.
The Government of the Canary Islands, through its Directorate General of Emergencies, placed La Palma on alert at 11:30 on Wednesday 11 November 2026. El Hierro, La Gomera, Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura and Lanzarote remain at pre-alert. The decision is based on information from Spain’s State Meteorological Agency and other available sources, under the Canary Islands emergency plan for adverse weather risks. A separate flood-risk alert was reported from 12:30.
Rainfall rates on La Palma could reach 30mm in one hour across the island until midnight. From 18:00, accumulations of up to 60mm in 12 hours are forecast for the east and high ground, as well as the west. The earlier forecast for eastern areas and high ground reached up to 100mm in 12 hours.
The alert comes as Storm Charles brings heavy rain and strong winds to the Canary Islands and other parts of Spain, with rough seas also expected. Forecast wind gusts on La Palma were reported to reach 130km/h, while waves in surrounding waters were expected to exceed 5 to 6 metres. Spanish meteorological reporting also described the storm as undergoing explosive cyclogenesis.
The island has also featured in coverage of a government-backed biodiversity programme. The current alert concerns the rainfall expected through Wednesday and into Thursday. Storm-related disruption has included the cancellation of around a dozen flights on La Palma, along with changes to or suspension of classes on Tenerife and La Palma, as well as La Graciosa.
The rain is expected to continue overnight into Thursday 12 November in Tenerife, La Gomera and El Hierro. In Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura and Lanzarote, showers may persist into Thursday morning. Thunderstorms are possible, particularly on the eastern islands and in northern Tenerife.
Persistent rain and accumulated rainfall could increase runoff and flows in ravines. Local flooding is possible, alongside landslides and disruption to roads or infrastructure. Authorities warn that flood surges and debris may reach areas downstream from the places where the heaviest rain falls, including lower-lying areas after rainfall in upland zones.
The Directorate General of Emergencies urges residents to follow its self-protection advice for heavy rain and flood risk.
