Tourists warned ‘hurricane-force' winds to hit Canary islands as red alert issued for Storm Nuria
Spanish authorities are bracing for 'hurricane-force' winds of up to 80mph after a red alert was issued for the Canary Islands.
Residents and tourists have been urged to take shelter as Storm Nuria looks set to bring high-wind speeds to the archipelago, just two weeks after the islands were battered by Spain's last named storm.
La Palma, in the north west of the island group, will face the strongest winds, possibly exceeding 80mph, and heavy rain of up to 30mm in just one hour. The eastern half of the island is under a red weather warning that will remain in place until around 5pm on Thursday, Spanish forecaster AEMET said.
Storm Nuria will also hit Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, La Gomera, El Hierro and the popular tourist island Tenerife with winds of up to 62mph. Amber warnings for wind have been issued for the islands.
It is the 14th named storm in the Spanish storm-naming season, coming just two weeks after Storm Martinho battered holiday hotspots in the Canary Islands.
Sharing the possibility of wind speeds exceeding 80mph in the eastern side of La Palma island, AEMET said: 'The danger is extraordinary. Extreme caution!'
The forecaster added on X: 'The formation of the storm Nuria this Thursday will lead to very strong gusts of wind in the Canary Islands (hurricane-force winds in La Palma, where there is a red warning in its eastern area).
'It will also bring heavy rains to the archipelago, which will then move to the Peninsula.'
All amber warnings are currently set to be lifted on Thursday at 10pm, Aemet says. By Friday, there will be no weather warnings remaining in place.
Yellow rain warnings have also been issued southwestern areas of the Spanish mainland, AEMET's website showed, with rain accumulations of up to 15mm in one hour possible, including in Catalonia, Basque Country and Andalusia.
Two weeks ago, Spain was battered by strong winds, large swells and intense rainfall as Storm Martinho struck large parts of the country.
Dozens of roads were closed and the Spanish government urged residents to avoid travel accordingly, due to forecast heavy rain and the water levels of the Manzanares River in Madrid remaining high.
AEMET said storm Martinho was heaping more rain onto areas on Friday and through the weekend that have already experienced plenty of rain in the last few weeks.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Herald Scotland
8 hours ago
- The Herald Scotland
I walked the Royal Mile for hours. I didn't find a single Scot
A brief stop at the Adam Smith statue to gather my bearings, and I'm off — set loose amidst a hodge-podge of pensioners, university students, and middle-aged mums on holiday. The tourist is not a discrete creature. Wearing a hat and sunglasses, and perhaps a hip pack (or maybe a flask); they peer up and down the mile, phones held aloft, engrossed by such luminaries as the 'Heritage Clearance Shop' and the 'House of Scotland'. Carlos & Martha were visting from Spain. (Image: Gordon Terris/Herald & Times) I speak to a Spanish couple in the shadow of St Giles' Cathedral. 'In the afternoon, we will go to the castle. Now, we have a city tour,' Carlos tells me 'It's very warm right now,' Martha says with a laugh. The couple have just arrived in Edinburgh — and were surely expecting cooler weather. 'We're spending three days here, and then we'll travel around for the next week,' Carlos adds. Higher up the Royal Mile, I speak to a group of French tourists. 'It's been good, but we've just arrived,' one man told me. 'We are going to the castle and Holyrood,' his female companion notes. I suggest the couple trek up Arthur's Seat and take in the views high atop the ancient volcano. This is met with enthusiasm. 'It's part of the plan,' I'm told. 'Are you with Time Magazine?' the man says with a wry smile as our photographer takes his picture. 'Close enough, mate,' I respond, 'close enough'. Christina and Hubert travelled from Germany. (Image: Gordon Terris) Moving closer to Edinburgh Castle, I speak to Hubert and Christa, a couple visiting from Austria (not Germany, as I erroneously guessed, much to my embarrassment). 'We just arrived today,' Hubert says, 'We are going to see the castle. We got two tickets, it was hard work to get it online. 'Depending on the weather, we're planning on going hiking in the north and west — and comparing it to the city.' At the gates of the castle, I speak to Adam and Megan, from Northern Ireland. 'We're having a look about at the minute, trying to figure out what we want to do,' Megan says, with partner Adam beside her. 'We've only arrived like half an hour ago,' he adds. Bent was visiting his son Dan, who has lived in Scotland for 11 years. (Image: Gordon Terris) Next to the Northern Irish couple is Bent from Denmark, who is visiting his son Dan. A quick look, and it's clear they are related. 'We've seen the castle,' Bent says. 'It has an absolutely great view.' Dan, who has lived in Scotland for 11 years, is acting as tour guide. 'We've been here ten times to visit him over the years,' Bent notes. I'm at the top of the Royal Mile, and it's just gone 11 AM. I speak to Kurt and Denise, a friendly couple from Kentucky. 'We just got here yesterday morning, and came from Linlithgow this morning,' says Kurt, who wears a blue University of Kentucky basketball jumper. 'We're going to the castle and have booked the Scottish Experience for the afternoon, and just have a wander around Old Town,' he says, clutching a Starbucks coffee in his right hand. 'How did you know we're from Kentucky? Are you a psychic?' Denise laughs. She's unaware of my college basketball knowledge, limited as it may be. Edinburgh's phone booths aren't safe from tourist photoshoots. (Image: Gordon Terris) I feel transported to a beach near Melbourne as I speak to a jovial quartet of Aussies from Geelong. They're about to join a tour group led by a man with a large red umbrella — but have a minute to chat. 'It's been absolutely splendid weather,' David tells me. 'It hasn't rained in a month. We were shocked.' 'We're going on a Royal Mile tour this morning, and going to Edinburgh Castle this afternoon,' Simon adds. Michaela says: 'It's a beautiful city. The streets are a bit more open than Glasgow, not as dark and Gotham City-like.' 'I thought St Giles Cathedral was just magnificent. Everywhere you look there's something to see,' notes Robin. I bid farewell, as the group thanks the umbrella man for waiting. Moving down the Royal Mile, I stop outside a red-brick pub on a bustling corner. 'I absolutely love Edinburgh,' says Misty from North Dakota, as husband Aaron nods in agreement. 'We've been at Holyroodhouse today, and the castle yesterday.' Reem and Kurt are from Michigan. 'We've seen a lot of Reformation history,' says Reem, as the couple sits at a bus stop, waiting for an open top tour bus. 'We've seen Edinburgh Castle and Stirling Castle and St Andrews,' Kurt adds, listing a wide selection of all the major tourist sites. 'The weather is perfect,' Reem notes. 'It's not too hot and there's some sun.' Cameras at the ready. (Image: Gordon Terris) I briefly consider hopping on the bus, but the £18 charge for a 70-minute roundtrip is far above my price point — and probably most Scots. On my way back to Waverly, I turn down Cockburn Street. Lined with cozy boutiques and cafes, the avenue is less kitschy than the Royal Mile. There, I speak to a Canadian family. A middle-aged man tells me: 'We're here for ten days, and it's been good. We've been to Dundee as well. 'Well, which do you prefer?', I ask with a grin. 'Edinburgh,' he responds, perhaps unsurprisingly. 'We're going up to the castle now.' Walking along the cobbled street, I stop to speak to Martin and Karen from Perth. Finally, a Scottish couple! No — they're from Perth, Australia. Visiting their niece Leanne, the pair are in Edinburgh for just two days before heading south. 'I wish we were staying longer, it's magnificent,' Karen says. 'All the old buildings are lovely.' Read more: As I walk back towards the train station, away from the tourist traps, I begin to see signs that all is not what it seems. A man lies huddled on some cardboard in a shopfront, an empty packet of Tangfastics and a beggars bowl in front of him. This is the Edinburgh the visitors don't see — or perhaps, choose to ignore. Tourism clearly provides a boon to Scotland's economy. In 2023, 109 million tourist visits generated £10.8 billion in revenue and led to the employment of 245,000 people. Nowhere is this more apparent than Edinburgh, from the trinket shops of the Royal Mile to the scores of Harry Potter fan spots across the city. Yet, this financial boost comes with a price. I walked for hours without speaking to a single Scot in one of our country's largest and most historical cities. And yet, the future of Edinburgh rests in the hands of those who care most about it. To find those people, it seems one must take to the lanes, neighborhoods, tenements, and terraced houses. That is where the real city takes its shape.
Wales Online
8 hours ago
- Wales Online
Brit who lives in Benidorm warns tourists to avoid three popular spots
Brit who lives in Benidorm warns tourists to avoid three popular spots A British man who has lived in Benidorm for over five years has revealed which dangerous places he would avoid while holidaying in the Spanish resort after seeing some 'crazy' things happen Harry Poulton moved to Benidorm at the age of 18 after falling in love with the place after a lads' holiday (Image: Jam Press/@harrytokky ) A British expat living in Benidorm has issued a warning to tourists about certain risky spots to sidestep during their summer holidays. The Spanish resort town draws in an impressive five million visitors annually and is a hot favourite among Spaniards and Brits alike. Harry Poulton, who relocated to Benidorm after a holiday with mates at 18, now, aged 24, describes moving there as the finest decision he's ever made. Committed to guiding tourists, he shares insider knowledge before they head off to his adopted city. Poulton takes to TikTok to offer travel insights and safety advice to his hefty following of 40,000 on the platform. A recent video of his flagged up the three no-go zones in the bustling tourist hub, garnering 29,000 views and widespread engagement. Topping his advisory list is the 'Yellow Brick Road', which, despite being a lively strip brimming with bars, eateries, and amusements, harbours a downside. This neon-lit quarter encompasses streets like Leanto Street, Ibiza Street, and Leerida Street. Harry shared: "The Yellow Brick Road – this little public pathway [...] leads all the way up to the Rio Park. Now, it has been known for a few things, mainly small thefts like pickpocketing. Generally, during the day, it's absolutely fine. I'd recommend avoiding it at night." Harry loves how much there is to do in Benidorm, but he warns there are some dangerous areas (Image: Jam Press/@harrytokky ) Article continues below Pueblo Alley, situated behind the Hotel Pueblo near Levante Beach, has been ranked second on a list of places to be cautious of. The Brighton-based content creator advised: "This is one I definitely recommend avoiding, especially late at night, as you do get the pickpockets hanging around this area." Harry elaborated: "You also get the odd lady of the night. There are plenty of other ways around." Taking the top spot as the area to steer clear of is 'Mugger's Alley', as per Harry's warning. He remarked: "It is the most notorious – it's the one we all know. Known for pickpocketing, ladies of the night, it's just an area I would avoid." He further commented on the emerging issue: "They're even doing these new taxi scams. It's crazy. Save yourself the hassle and cross the road." An additional caution came from a post on the public Facebook page Benidorm Forever, where someone alerted others about the dangers of the area, stating: "It's located at the start of the strip opposite the Hotel Flash and runs behind the white 'SATE' building, near Morgan Tavern. "It's safe enough in the day but late at night you'll likely get approached by 'hugger muggers' (individuals who will invade your space pretending to know you whilst swiping your valuables), prostitutes and robbers." Content cannot be displayed without consent Article continues below They further advised: "Men on their own are the main target so stay together and walk in front of the sate building, not behind it. Remember most crimes in Benidorm are non violent, it's your phone and cash they're after, so keep both out of sight and if you do get robbed you need to visit the SATE office (opposite the hotel Flash) in office hours to make a police report." Despite highlighting the risky areas, Harry can't sing enough praises about the holiday spot. He firmly believes that many Brits have a completely skewed perception - and insists that the rumours about scams and overpriced pubs couldn't be more inaccurate. Moreover, since trading Brighton for Benidorm, Harry reports a significant decrease in his monthly expenses - now ranging between £500 and £1,000, inclusive of bills. Harry stated: "If you live here, you get it. Benidorm is paradise - and anyone who says otherwise is lying."
Daily Mirror
11 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
'Chaos' at another Spanish island airport as bins overflow and major queues form
Tourists have taken to social media to express their anger and disgust at the conditions passengers are facing on either arriving or leaving the holiday airport Holidaymakers have criticised the "absolute chaos" at Majorca's airport, amid warnings that the situation could worsen as the peak summer season approaches. Frustrated travellers are venting their fury on social media over the conditions they've encountered upon arrival or departure from the popular holiday destination's airport. Complaints are mounting about extensive queues, bins brimming with rubbish, disruptive construction work, and lengthy detours requiring up to 20-minute walks due to ongoing "improvements" that began in 2022. Tourists argue that Palma airport's state tarnishes the Spanish island's image and could deter people from choosing Majorca for their holidays. This wave of criticism follows recent reports of Tenerife airport's overcrowding, where passengers endured long waits in "inhumane" conditions. Majorca now finds itself under similar scrutiny, with a flurry of videos posted online illustrating the airport's congestion and inadequate facilities. The Spanish newspaper Diario de Majorca reports that what was meant to be a warm welcome for thousands has turned into a source of complaints and mockery, as many visitors, particularly tourists, share footage of their chaotic experiences. One user juxtaposed the serenity of a Majorcan cove against the airport's pandemonium, highlighting overflowing bins and litter-strewn floors amidst the construction zones. The lack of order and ongoing construction work at the airport has left passengers frustrated. "Maybe I know it's because it's under remodelling hahaha, but there were many things that didn't work," one traveller penned. Another shared a video taken on a typical Tuesday afternoon, captioning it: "This is Majorca's airport on any given Tuesday... and it's chaos." The footage reveals a main corridor packed with passengers, leaving little room for normal circulation. A third disgruntled passenger posted: "You have to walk half a marathon through the airport. It's an aberration." This isn't the first time Son Sant Joan airport has been the butt of viral jokes. The meme account @ meme recently shared a video that has racked up over 70,000 views, poking fun at the lengthy walks passengers have to carry out to exit the terminal. Diario de Majorca has reported that some improvement have been made. "Although in recent weeks more direct accesses and better signage have been put in place as part of the remodelling works started in 2022, the memory of labyrinthine corridors, poorly indicated temporary detours and routes of up to 20 minutes on foot is still very much alive," the publication wrote. "The high season has barely begun, and with it, the criticism of facilities that, according to many users, are not yet ready to withstand the influx of travellers expected in the coming months." Palma airport is currently undergoing a major transformation set to be completed in 2026 with a significant investment. Recent milestones include the unveiling of the new security filters last November, now situated on the second floor, as part of a 550 million euro investment. Another significant development is the new connecting walkway between the main building and module D, which will enable boarding to be accessed through the centre of the building rather than the end, thus reducing walking distances. This infrastructure will have two different directions. While the entrance is already operational, the exit access isn't anticipated until the summer of 2025.
