Storm Delta nears Canary Islands

The regional government declared a state of alert in the Canary Islands as Tropical Storm Delta (the 25th of the season) headed towards the archipelago. The fishing fleet was ordered to remain on dry land and citizens were advised to avoid travelling, especially on roads close to the coasts and, to take extra precaution on mountain and narrow roads where there is a heightened risk of falling trees or rocks.

Schools were closed Monday throughout the Canary Islands and several inter-island flights were cancelled, with others suffering delays as the first winds of Atlantic tropical storm Delta hit the archipelago. Keen to allay fears among the population who might be concerned about the risk of damage on a par with that caused by Wilma or Katrina, simply because this is a named storm, local TV presenters interviewed meteorologists on air via telephone link.

Presenter: "What is the difference between this and previous storms we've seen in the archipelago?"

Meteorologist: "The Hurricane Center in Miami gave it a name."

Not entirely sure how exactly that helps mind you. Meteorologists predicted wind speeds of between 75 and 100 kmph in the uplands of Tenerife and La Palma, possibly reaching 150 kmph or more on the summit of Mount Teide. Winds have continued to buffet Secret Tenerife's "headquarters" throughout Monday, but, so far, with less force than we have seen on previous occasions. Electricity supplies have been interrupted more than once, but we have decided to follow official advice to the letter and "avoid unnecessary trips". Lock up, wrap up and sit it out, is usually the best way to deal with these short lived weather fronts.

Situación de alerta ante los fuertes vientos y lluvias, preludio de la tormenta 'Delta' NASA image from Goddard Space Flight Center, Public domain