A severe storm with rain and gale-force winds, named Claudia, is approaching the Canary Islands and affecting Swedish travelers. The Swedish embassy urges following local authorities' advice and staying informed. Schools are closing and roads are being blocked due to the impending storm.
Storm Claudia hit the western Canary Islands of La Palma and Tenerife on Wednesday with strong winds and rain. It is moving overnight to Thursday toward Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, and Lanzarote. An orange warning for heavy rain has been issued, and schools will remain closed on Thursday. On Gran Canaria, both locals and Swedes are preparing to wait out the storm indoors, starting around 10 PM and lasting through the night and Thursday. The storm is expected to ease by Friday.
On Tenerife, several roads have been closed due to fallen trees and landslides, according to Spanish media. Eleven flights were diverted on Wednesday from Gran Canaria and La Palma due to the weather, including one from Gothenburg that first landed in Fuerteventura and later continued to Gran Canaria. Charlotte Hallencreutz, spokesperson for Ving, says: "They landed in Fuerteventura but were able to continue to Gran Canaria later." Travel operator Ving has sent messages to its travelers, urging them not to venture onto roads. Currently, there is no information on canceled flights from the islands.
The Swedish embassy advises travelers to stay informed, follow local recommendations, and call 112 if needed, according to the Sweden Abroad website. On Gran Canaria, the municipality has closed schools and opened them as temporary shelters for the homeless and affected individuals. Håkan, who partly lives on the island, describes the preparations: "Everyone has brought in their parasols and sun loungers, both private and on the beaches. It looks a bit desolate." He is concerned about tourists who may not have received the warnings, especially in southern areas like Playa del Inglés and Maspalomas, where flood risk is high due to a lack of drainage systems. Gusts up to 25 meters per second are expected, which is unusual for the southern parts of the island.
