Lorraine Williamson
Gran Canaria has ordered the suspension of organised public and private activities from midday on Sunday, 8 November, as Storm Bruna brings the threat of torrential rain, strong winds and flooding to the Canary Islands. The emergency measure comes as Spain’s weather agency, AEMET, warns that the storm could cause significant disruption across the archipelago and western mainland Spain over the coming days.
The authorities are urging residents and visitors to avoid unnecessary journeys and follow official warnings. The most severe conditions are expected to affect the Canary Islands on Sunday, while successive weather fronts will bring increasing rainfall to western Spain from Sunday afternoon.
The Cabildo of Gran Canaria announced the suspension of organised activities and events involving gatherings of people, regardless of attendance numbers or whether they take place indoors or outdoors. The measure takes effect at 12 noon on Sunday and remains in place until further notice, with essential services and emergency operations exempt.
According to RTVE, the suspension includes cultural, sporting, recreational and festive events across the island. The decision has already affected professional sport, with UD Las Palmas postponing its scheduled match against Eldense. Elsewhere in the archipelago, other events have also been cancelled or rearranged as a precaution.
Canary Islands face intense rain and strong winds
AEMET has issued orange-level weather warnings for parts of La Palma, Tenerife, La Gomera, El Hierro and Gran Canaria, where heavy rainfall could cause dangerous conditions. Forecast accumulations exceed 100 litres per square metre over 12 hours in some western islands, while parts of Gran Canaria could receive more than 80 litres over the same period.
The storm is also expected to produce powerful wind gusts, particularly in exposed coastal areas and at higher elevations. Thunderstorms, rough seas and localised flooding are among the principal hazards, with the possibility of rapid rises in water levels in ravines and other drainage channels.
The Government of the Canary Islands has activated emergency alerts for rain, wind and coastal conditions, alongside precautionary warnings for thunderstorms and flooding. Residents are being advised to avoid exposed coastal locations, remain clear of ravines and follow instructions issued by island authorities.
Western Andalucia and other mainland regions at risk
The effects of Storm Bruna will not be confined to the islands. A series of Atlantic fronts is expected to reach mainland Spain from Sunday afternoon, bringing periods of heavy and persistent rain to western Andalucia, Extremadura, Galicia, western Castilla y León and parts of Castilla-La Mancha.
According to AEMET’s special weather bulletin, the greatest rainfall totals are expected in areas exposed to moist south-westerly winds, particularly western mountain ranges and parts of Galicia. Over the course of the episode, some locations in the western Central System and western or southern Galicia could receive more than 200 litres per square metre.
In Andalucia, the provinces of Huelva, Cádiz and Sevilla are among those likely to experience worsening conditions as the Atlantic fronts move inland. Heavy rain could also affect other western and inland areas, although the precise location and intensity of the strongest downpours remain uncertain.
Strong winds are expected along exposed Atlantic coasts and in mountainous areas, adding to the risk of fallen branches, difficult driving conditions and disruption to outdoor activities. Coastal conditions may also deteriorate, with waves potentially reaching five to six metres off western Galicia and around four metres along parts of the western Andalucian coastline.
When will Storm Bruna be at its worst?
Sunday is expected to be particularly difficult in the Canary Islands, with widespread rain, thunderstorms and strong winds. Conditions may improve temporarily on Monday and during the first part of Tuesday, although another period of heavier rain and wind is possible later in the week.
On the mainland, the most unsettled weather is forecast between Sunday afternoon and Wednesday, with successive fronts producing prolonged rainfall in western and north-western regions. Some locations could experience repeated downpours rather than a single short period of heavy rain, increasing the possibility of local flooding and rising river levels.
Spain’s Civil Protection authority has warned that the situation could be particularly difficult in low-lying areas and places affected by wildfires during the summer. Burnt ground and damaged vegetation can increase the speed of surface runoff, leaving some communities more exposed to flash flooding and erosion.
AEMET has stressed that uncertainty remains over the precise distribution of rainfall. Forecast amounts should therefore be treated as estimates rather than rainfall already recorded, and warning levels may change as the storm develops.
Advice for residents and visitors
People in affected areas should check local weather warnings before travelling, particularly where roads cross rivers, streams or normally dry watercourses. Driving through floodwater can be extremely dangerous because its depth and force are difficult to judge, even when a road appears passable.
Residents should secure loose objects on balconies and terraces, keep drains clear where it is safe to do so and avoid walking near exposed cliffs, beaches or harbour walls during periods of strong wind and high waves. Anyone planning hiking, mountain excursions or coastal activities should reconsider their plans where warnings are in force.
Travellers should also monitor transport operators for possible changes to flights, ferries and road services. Weather warnings do not automatically mean transport has been suspended, but conditions can deteriorate quickly and individual operators may introduce restrictions.
The latest provincial and island warnings are available through AEMET’s official warning service. In an immediate emergency anywhere in Spain, residents and visitors should call 112.
Storm warnings could change over the coming days
Storm Bruna is expected to influence conditions across Spain until at least Wednesday, with the possibility of further unsettled weather beyond that point. The immediate concern is the combination of intense rainfall, strong winds and dangerous coastal conditions, particularly where repeated downpours increase the risk of flooding.
For Gran Canaria, the suspension of organised events is already a significant precautionary measure. Elsewhere, residents and visitors should follow their local authorities as the storm develops, rather than relying on earlier forecasts or assuming conditions will be the same throughout Spain.