A severe weather outbreak is sweeping the Canary Islands, with strong winds and heavy rain causing widespread disruption to air travel, road access, and services as officials warn of dangerous conditions.

Madeira and the Azores region are experiencing flight diversions and holds, with several specific flights redirected or grounded as crews reevaluate landings in the gusty conditions.

Authorities evacuated up to about 3,000 people, set up temporary shelters, and issued red and yellow warnings as fears of dam breaches and rising water levels prompted evacuations in multiple towns.

The Foreign Office advises UK holidaymakers to monitor warnings and follow local guidance, including instructions from travel providers and authorities.

Emergency shelters are housing dozens of residents, with reports of infrastructure damage such as a collapsed retaining wall and ongoing warnings that the storm could ease only later in the week.

The storm Therese is driving orange and yellow alerts across the Canary Islands, with residents urged to stay indoors, avoid travel, and drive slowly on wet roads as winds intensify.

Tenerife and Lanzarote face orange alerts for heavy rainfall, with potential rainfall rates up to 30mm per hour on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Wind gusts have reached around 114 km/h in exposed areas, underscoring the severity of the storm and the risk to flights, ferries, and outdoor activities.

By Sunday, some flights had been redirected to Porto Santo, and normal operations depend on weather improving to allow safe arrivals and departures.

Property losses include two basement flats destroyed, with utilities like electricity and water uncertain as responders assess the damage.

Infrastructure disruptions include a blocked main road, a family cut off, and reservoirs facing overflow risks as authorities warn residents to exercise caution amid rising waters.

Local emergency services are on standby, ready to assist stranded travelers, evacuate vulnerable populations, and respond to rescues as needed.