Storm Therese to unleash weather chaos: orange alerts hit Andalucia as fierce winds, heavy rain and massive waves batter southern Spain

Storm Therese is barrelling towards southern Spain, bringing widespread disruption and orange-level warnings from the Agencia Estatal de Meteorología (AEMET). Heavy rain, strong gusts, rough seas and even snow in higher areas dominate the forecast, with Canarias bearing the brunt of the impact while Andalucia faces significant effects from Friday onwards. Residents in coastal and inland areas brace for challenging conditions over the coming days.

Who faces disruption this weekend

Weekend plans face major upheaval across southern regions. Holidaymakers along the Costa del Sol and in Cadiz province will encounter cancelled beach outings, disrupted travel and potential road closures due to heavy downpours and high winds. Farmers in western Andalucia risk crop damage from persistent rainfall, while outdoor events in cities like Malaga suffer postponements.

Canarias residents have been with the most severe threats until now, including flash-flooding risks and power outages from intense storms. Motorists across affected zones will encounter hazardous driving, particularly on exposed roads and mountain passes.

Exact timing of storm arrival in certain locations

Storm Therese reaches Cadiz first among the specified areas, with strong easterly winds and possible showers intensifying from Friday morning, peaking through the afternoon and evening with very strong gusts likely along the coast. All of this is moving up from the Canary Islands, where is has already left a trail of frozen shock.

🌧️❄️ La borrasca Therese deja frío extremo y fuerte viento en Canarias: hasta -4,5ºC en Izaña y rachas de 88 km/h 💨 Lluvias moderadas y condiciones duras en cumbres de varias islas #Canarias #Temporal @LaRadioCanaria #TGR 📻🎙️🎥 @CabildoTenerife pic.twitter.com/quAaBGevjy

— Juanjo Toledo (@Juanjo_Toledo) March 19, 2026

• Ronda experiences the arrival later on Friday as cloud cover thickens and heavy rain develops during the day, with local heavy bursts possible into the evening with the dropping temperatures.
• Malaga is expected to see effects build from Friday midday onwards, with a high probability of showers, especially after noon, accompanied by coastal warnings for waves and wind starting around 6pm Friday.
• Motril, more to the East and on the Granada coast, follows a similar timeline to Malaga, with instability arriving Friday, bringing potential for locally strong showers and rough seas during the afternoon and night.

How to track the storm’s progress

Citizens should monitor developments easily via official channels. AEMET’s website and app provide real-time updates, radar imagery and warning maps. Follow @AEMET_Esp on X for instant alerts and bulletins. Local media outlets broadcast frequent reports, while dedicated weather apps offer push notifications for orange alerts. Residents check municipal civil protection pages for area-specific advice during the episode. But be ready for localised orange warnings concerning transport and road use.

Safety advice during orange alerts

Orange alerts signal important risk, demanding caution. Avoid unnecessary travel, especially near rivers, barrancos or coastal zones prone to flooding or landslides. Stay indoors during heavy rain or thunderstorms to minimise lightning exposure. Shut the windows, get the washing in, and secure loose outdoor items against gale-force winds. Do not venture onto beaches or rocky shores with high waves. Drivers refrain from crossing flooded roads or low-lying areas. Keep emergency supplies ready, including torches, charged phones and water.

Long-term outlook for Easter

Semana Santa 2026 arrives from 29 March (Domingo de Ramos) to 6 April (Lunes de Pascua). Early indications from models like ECMWF suggest a dynamic pattern, with a slightly higher chance of above-average rainfall in southeastern Spain, Baleares and Canarias compared to the end of the scale in historical norms.