Thousands of people have been evacuated across the Canary Islands after ferocious storms have pummeled the archipelago.
British tourists have been caught up in it all with floods and landslides plaguing the paradise islands in the fifth day of Strom Theresa which has struck only days before the Easter break.
More than 3,000 people have been evacuated or stranded across Gran Canaria alone after a deluge of non-stop rain overnight caused extensive flooding, cutting off entire communities.
Evacuees are now huddled up in a temporary shelter at a secondary school and emergency services have warned the situation could get even worse.
Local media have dubbed it ‘the storm of the century’ and urged holidaymakers to stay inside while roads collapse, hotels are battered and reservoirs fill to the brim over dams.
Dozens have been left isolated in the worst-hit areas in the Arguineguín ravine, where emergency measures have been triggered.
Entire neighbourhoods have been evacuated in the village of Agaete over fears the nearby reservoir could burst and wash away homes in the Los Pérez and El Hornillo areas.
Rivers have overflowed their banks across the island and at least 10 reservoirs have started releasing water through dams to ease the massive pressure of water. There are growing fears that the Las Niñas dam could overflow next.
More than 3,000 people have been evacuated on Gran Canaria alone after Storm Theresa has slammed into the Canary Islands
Scores of people have had their power cut off in the storms
Roads have been cut off by flooding and landslide, isolating entire communities
British tourists have been told to stay inside as flights to the islands are being cancelled and diverted due to the terrible weather
Landslides have blocked more than 10 roads, cutting off entire parts of the island. A main road was also shut after the Arguineguín ravine burst its banks.
Key tourist areas are wrought with havoc inc San Bartolomé de Tirajana, Santa Lucía, Mogán and Telde.
In the mountains, access roads are severely limited and unsafe while on the coast, properties were smashed up in the wind and spray in Pozo Izquierdo.
Flights from London, Manchester and Newcastle have had to be diverted from the storm-ridden islands – Lanzarote has been hit the hardest with one cancellation and eight diversions.
Air travel is slowly returning to normal but there are still delays, particularly at La Palma.
There were 73mph winds on Tenerife last night, which knocked out power and streetlighting in parts of the southwest and northwest.
30 people were totally cut off from power initially but now only a few remain without electricity.
One hotel roof reportedly collapsed under the extreme weather while its guests were told to stay indoors.
More than 10 roads have been blocked y landslides
At least 10 dams are having to let their water go to ease pressure and avoid them bursting
The forecast says the storms are due to ease between Wednesday and Thursday but this may change
The coastline has been battered by wind and violent waves damaging properties
Dramatic rescues are having to be made across the islands.
Fifteen residents – including children – were cut off after a retaining wall collapsed in Vallehermoso on La Gomera.
Three are set to be airlifted out but others have chosen to stay in their homes.
Eighty people on Tenerife – many of them homeless – have had to be housed in emergency centres in Adeje, Puerto de la Cruz and Santa Cruz.
Five residents on Gran Canaria have had to be evacuated near the Agaete ravine and a further 60 are stuck in Arguineguín.
Yellow warnings remain in place across the islands with forecasts showing yet more relentless heavy rain with thunderstorms and hail.
Brits have been warned to avoid travel and to stay away from ravines. Forecasters say the storm should start to ease Wednesday and Thursday as trade winds return but warned this could change.
