Storm Therese: Tenerife hit by snow as wind and rain sweep across Canary Islands

Authorities in Tenerife have activated emergency plans as Storm Therese brings wet, windy and wintry weather to the Canary Islands. Outdoor events have been called off, roads are closed and some flights have been cancelled with weather warnings set to stay in force throughout the weekend. Significant snow has already fallen over high ground in the centre of the island around the Mount Teide volcano. Heavy rain will bring the threat of flooding while strong winds and rough seas will also pose a hazard. Storm Therese was named by the Portuguese weather service earlier this week - largely because of the risk of disruption in Madeira and the Azores. However the Canaries are now bearing the brunt. The Spanish weather service, AEMET, has issued orange weather warnings for Tenerife, valid throughout Friday and into Saturday. Northern areas of the island could see wind gusts of 90-100 km/h (56-62mph). The southern half of Tenerife is covered by a warning for rain, with the potential that 100mm (4 in) could fall in some places over a 12 hour period. This intense rainfall will bring the risk of flooding, landslides and transport disruption. The Tenerife Island Council - the Cabildo de Teneri