Molly Ayala
Fuerteventura is one of Spain's Canary Islands, and like the other islands in the archipelago, it occasionally experiences tropical storms and heavy rainfall. In fact, a powerful electrical storm over Puerto del Rosario forced five planes to divert to Gran Canaria in December 2022. The Canary Islands Government has previously declared a full alert for rainfall and issued pre-alerts for the risk of floods, thunderstorms, high winds, and coastal phenomena across the region. So, are electrical storms due to hit Fuerteventura?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date | 8 December 2022, 11 April 2025 |
| Affected Areas | Puerto del Rosario, Playa Blanca |
| Impact | Power outages, landslides, flooding, flights diverted |
| Alert Level | Maximum alert |
| Cause | Storm Dorothea, Storm Olivier |
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What You'll Learn
Storms causing travel chaos
Fuerteventura is one of the Canary Islands, a popular tourist destination for sun-seekers. However, storms have been known to hit the Canary Islands, causing travel chaos for tourists. In April 2025, Storm Olivier battered the Canary Islands, including Fuerteventura, causing landslides, flooding, and power outages. The storm led to flight cancellations, road closures, and hotel evacuations.
During storms, it is important to take precautions to stay safe. If you are outdoors when a storm hits, it is recommended to move to a low point and avoid tall objects, trees, metal structures, and water sources. If you are driving, slow down and pull over to a safe area if possible. It is generally safer to remain in your vehicle during a thunderstorm, provided it has a metal roof.
In the case of Fuerteventura, storms have impacted air travel, with flights being diverted or cancelled due to the weather conditions. In one instance, a powerful electrical storm over Puerto del Rosario resulted in several flights destined for Fuerteventura being diverted to land in Gran Canaria. The Canary Islands' Directorate General of Emergencies raised its alert level to the maximum due to the severe weather conditions, including intense winds, thunderstorms, and hazardous weather conditions.
The impact of storms on the travel industry in Fuerteventura and the Canary Islands can be significant. Tourists may experience disruptions to their travel plans, including flight cancellations and diversions, road closures, and difficulties in accessing tourist attractions. Local businesses, particularly those reliant on spring tourism, can also face economic losses due to storm-related disruptions.
It is always important to stay informed about the weather conditions and follow any instructions or warnings provided by local authorities. Taking precautions and staying safe during storms is crucial to minimize the potential impact on both visitors and residents of Fuerteventura.
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Power outages
Fuerteventura is one of Spain's Canary Islands, located off the coast of northwestern Africa. The Canary Islands are no stranger to storms, and Storm Dorothea brought intense winds and severe thunderstorms, resulting in a barrage of electrical activity across the islands.
In response to Storm Dorothea, the Canary Islands' Directorate General of Emergencies raised its alert level from 'alert' to 'maximum alert' due to severe winds and thunderstorms impacting La Gomera, El Hierro, and the northern and western regions of Tenerife. The eastern islands of Lanzarote and Fuerteventura were expected to experience strong gales of 41-60 km/h.
The Canary Islands have experienced other storms besides Storm Dorothea. In December 2022, a powerful electrical storm over Puerto del Rosario, Fuerteventura, forced the diversion of at least five flights destined for the island. The Spanish State Meteorological Agency, AEMET, had predicted the arrival of a DANA (Isolated Depression at High Altitude) for the Canary Islands, expected to bring rain and potential storms.
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Flooding and landslides
Storms are expected to hit Fuerteventura, with electrical storms, heavy rainfall, flooding, and landslides predicted. In anticipation of the storms, the Canary Islands Directorate General of Emergencies has raised its alert level to the maximum.
Fuerteventura has experienced severe flooding in the past, with heavy rainfall causing extensive damage to the island's road infrastructure. The road connecting Triquivijate to Puerto del Rosario was closed due to severe flooding, causing significant disruptions. The situation was particularly bad between Tesjuate and Casillas del Ángel, where overflowing water submerged sections of the road. In addition, the ongoing channelling works in the area were hindered as drainage basins became blocked, making the flooding worse.
The island's traditional gavias, a historic water management system unique to Fuerteventura, have also been damaged by the storms.
Landslides have also been a problem for Fuerteventura. In the case of Storm Olivier, expected to hit in 2025, landslides are mentioned as one of the reasons for road closures and evacuations. In mountainous areas, landslides crushed vehicles and blocked roads.
In addition to the more recent risks, Fuerteventura has historically experienced giant Miocene landslides.
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Safety advice
Fuerteventura is prone to electrical storms, with storms such as Storm Dorothea and Storm Olivier causing extensive damage to the island. If you are planning to travel to Fuerteventura or currently reside there, it is important to be aware of the safety advice to follow during an electrical storm. Here are some detailed guidelines to help you stay safe:
- Stay Informed: Keep yourself updated on weather forecasts and alerts. Follow local news, weather websites, and authorities' advisories to anticipate potential storms.
- Avoid Outdoor Activities: Refrain from outdoor activities, especially in open areas, during an electrical storm. If you are outdoors when a storm hits, seek shelter in a sturdy building or vehicle.
- Seek Suitable Shelter: If you are indoors, stay away from windows, doors, and electrical equipment. Do not shower or bathe during the storm, and avoid contact with plumbing fixtures.
- Protect Electronic Devices: Unplug electronic devices and appliances before the storm arrives to prevent damage from power surges.
- Driving Precautions: If you are driving during a storm, slow down and use extra caution. Pull over to a safe location, preferably an enclosed space away from trees, power lines, and metal objects. Remain in your vehicle until the storm passes.
- Lightning Safety: If you are caught outside with no shelter nearby, move to a low point and crouch down. Stay away from tall objects, trees, metal structures, and water sources. Spread out from other people and avoid holding metal items.
- Pet Safety: Bring your pets inside during the storm. Dog houses do not provide adequate protection from lightning.
- Downed Power Lines: If you encounter downed power lines, stay at least 10 feet (3 meters) away from the lines and any objects touching them. Shuffle away with small steps, keeping your feet close together, to minimize the risk of electric shock.
- Flooding Hazards: Be cautious when entering flooded areas, as they may be energized by downed power lines or submerged outlets. Avoid driving through flooded roads, as water levels may be higher than they appear.
- Emergency Preparedness: Have a plan in place in case of power outages or emergencies. Keep a corded telephone or a charged mobile phone with you for emergency communications. Know the locations of nearby emergency shelters.
Remember, your safety is paramount. Always follow the instructions and advisories provided by local authorities and weather services to ensure you are prepared for electrical storms in Fuerteventura.
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Storm severity and frequency
Fuerteventura is known for its wind, and while it can be windy, many describe it as breezy rather than windy. The wind is often strong enough to keep temperatures down during the summer, which is great for kite and wind surfers. September, October, and November are the least windy months, with lighter breezes and high temperatures. During the winter, Fuerteventura experiences the occasional windy day, but for the most part, the weather is mild.
The Canary Islands, of which Fuerteventura is a part, have experienced severe storms in recent years. In 2022, Storm Hermine caused over 1,800 power outages, 24 roadblocks, and 30 landslides. In April 2025, Storm Olivier brought snow, floodwaters, and hurricane-force winds to the islands, causing over 50 road closures, mudslides, and landslides. The storm also led to power outages, with families in Playa Blanca, Fuerteventura, left without power after a transformer station flooded.
The Canary Islands have also experienced intense electrical storms. In December 2022, a powerful electrical storm over Puerto del Rosario, Fuerteventura, forced at least five planes to be diverted to Gran Canaria. In another instance, Storm Dorothea brought intense winds, severe thunderstorms, and over 1,000 lightning strikes in just six hours across the Canary Islands.
The Spanish State Meteorological Agency AEMET has issued alerts for storms predicted to impact the Canary Islands. In one instance, AEMET announced the arrival of a DANA (Isolated Depression at High Altitude) expected to cause rains and potential storms across the Canary Islands. In another instance, AEMET issued a rare "significant danger" alert as Storm Olivier barreled across the Canary Islands towards southern Spain and Portugal.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, electrical storms are expected to hit Fuerteventura. Storm Dorothea and Storm Olivier have both brought intense winds and severe thunderstorms, resulting in a barrage of electrical activity across the Canary Islands.
The storms are expected to cause hazardous weather conditions, including gale-force winds, flooding, landslides, and power outages.
It is advised to stay indoors and avoid windows and doors. If you are caught outside, move to a low point, stay away from trees and metal objects, and do not stand near water.
Yes, the electrical storms have already caused flight diversions and cancellations, as well as road closures. It is recommended to check for updates and follow the instructions of local authorities.
