UK Joins Ireland in Warning Travelers as Spain’s Holiday Haven Lanzarote is Swallowed by Flood: New Report You Need to Know

செவ்வாய்க்கிழமை, ஏப்ரல் 15, 2025

UK has joined Ireland in issuing a travel warning for Lanzarote after the popular Spanish holiday island was overwhelmed by torrential rainfall and flash flooding over the weekend. Roads were submerged, hotels lost power, and emergency services were inundated with hundreds of calls as Storm Olivier brought chaos to tourist hotspots including Costa Teguise, San Bartolomé, and Arrecife. Authorities are urging travelers to remain cautious as the island recovers from one of the worst weather events in recent years.

Lanzarote, one of Spain’s most popular holiday destinations, has been hit by severe flooding and extreme weather, prompting the UK government to issue a travel warning. The warning comes after Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs also updated its guidance for tourists heading to the Canary Islands.

Over the weekend, the island was swamped by what has been described as “catastrophic flooding,” with more than a year’s worth of rain falling in just two hours. The intense storm—identified as Storm Olivier—caused widespread disruption across the island, especially in the areas of Costa Teguise, San Bartolomé, and Arrecife.

Torrential rainfall turned roads into rivers, submerged vehicles, and caused power outages in several hotels. Mud and water poured into residential areas and tourist hotspots, overwhelming drainage systems and creating hazardous travel conditions. Emergency services responded to more than 150 incidents in Costa Teguise and over 70 in Arrecife, as flooding overtook streets and buildings.

The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) updated its travel advice, warning that “heavy rainfall and flooding in Lanzarote occurred earlier today, with Costa Teguise, San Bartolomé, and Arrecife particularly affected.” The statement emphasized that services across the island have been impacted, noting that “some hotels are currently without power” and “some roads are currently affected by mud.”

Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs also issued a travel alert, reminding citizens that Spain can experience “extreme weather conditions, including flooding, which can adversely affect travel plans.” The department urged travelers to monitor local weather updates and follow the advice of Spanish authorities.

Storm Olivier made landfall on the Canary Islands last Wednesday and has since battered several parts of the region. Lanzarote, however, bore the brunt of the storm, with the Island Emergency Consortium confirming that Costa Teguise, San Bartolomé, and Arrecife on the east coast were the most severely affected.

According to meteorologists, the effects of Storm Olivier are expected to be more severe than originally forecast. Hail and thunderstorms remain possible across parts of the island, and further weather disturbances could continue throughout the week. The government of Lanzarote declared a temporary state of emergency on Saturday, which was lifted at 7am on Sunday as weather conditions began to stabilize.

Although Lanzarote Airport has resumed normal operations and flights are currently running on time, authorities are urging travelers to stay informed and take precautions. The rest of the Canary Islands, including Tenerife, Gran Canaria, and Fuerteventura, have remained largely unaffected, with only light rain and cloudy skies reported.

Travelers planning to visit Lanzarote during the upcoming Easter break are advised to remain cautious. While no formal “do not travel” advisory has been issued, disruption to services and accommodation may still occur. Tourists are encouraged to contact airlines, travel agents, and accommodation providers for the latest information and possible rebooking or refund options.

Regarding travel insurance, individuals who cancel their trips voluntarily—referred to as “disinclination to travel”—are generally not entitled to a refund unless the airline cancels the flight or the accommodation is deemed uninhabitable. Some insurance policies do cover natural disasters, so it’s important for travelers to read the terms and contact their provider to confirm coverage.

European governments have updated their travel advice in response to the storm, urging tourists to check the Spanish Meteorological Agency (AEMET) for real-time updates and alerts.

Severe flooding has hit Lanzarote, submerging roads and causing power cuts in tourist zones. The UK and Ireland have issued travel warnings due to the widespread disruption.

As the floodwaters begin to recede, Lanzarote’s usual image of sun-soaked beaches and blue skies has been temporarily replaced by scenes of waterlogged streets and storm-drenched resorts. The storm has cast a shadow over what is typically one of Europe’s most beloved holiday escapes—just as thousands of travelers were preparing to head there for the spring holidays.

Lanzarote has been battered by extreme flooding, turning roads into rivers and cutting power to hotels. Now, both the UK and Ireland are warning travelers to reconsider their plans as disruption sweeps the island.

Key Travel Reminders:

• Follow updates from local authorities and weather agencies.
• Confirm flight status and accommodation availability before traveling.
• Exercise caution in affected areas, especially where roads and infrastructure are compromised.
• Review your travel insurance policy and contact your provider if your trip is impacted by flooding.