Storm Regina Spreads Strong Winds, Rain, and Coastal Warnings Across Spain and the Canary Islands

Storm Regina triggers widespread weather warnings

A new low pressure system named Storm Regina is driving unstable weather across Spain. Meteorological agencies have issued a broad set of alerts covering the mainland and the Canary Islands.

Spain’s State Meteorological Agency, AEMET, reported 57 forecast weather phenomena beginning on March 3. The expected hazards include strong winds, rainfall, storms, rough seas, and snowfall in elevated terrain.

Most of the alerts fall under the category of yellow weather warnings, which indicate a low level hazard. Three warnings have been classified as orange alerts, signaling more significant risks in affected regions.

The probability of the listed events ranges between 40 percent and 70 percent. Meteorologists expect most warnings to expire later on March 3 or during March 4.

Severe conditions across the Canary Islands

Storm Regina intensified weather conditions across the Canary Islands during the early days of March.

Cloud cover thickened over the archipelago. Rain began to spread, accompanied by falling temperatures and strengthening winds. Authorities issued a coastal weather alert across the entire region as sea conditions deteriorated.

In Tenerife, Spain, snowfall developed at elevations above 1,700 to 1,800 meters, particularly around the slopes of Mount Teide. Smaller chances of snow were also noted in high terrain on La Palma and Gran Canaria.

Temperatures declined across mid elevation and high elevation zones. Frost is forecast in the mountains of Tenerife, while lighter frost may occur in high areas of La Palma.

In the provincial capitals, temperatures are expected to remain milder:

• Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain: between 16°C and 19°C
• Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain: between 16°C and 20°C

Rainfall across the islands is generally light to moderate. Some showers may become locally intense. Isolated thunderstorms are also possible in scattered areas.

Powerful winds and dangerous coastal seas

Wind is one of the defining features of Storm Regina. Across exposed terrain, winds are blowing from the north at moderate to strong intensity.

The strongest gusts are expected in:

• Lanzarote and Fuerteventura
• High elevations of Tenerife and La Palma
• North east and south west mountain slopes
• The extreme south west of Tenerife

In elevated terrain on Tenerife and La Palma, wind gusts could reach 100 km/h. Conditions in exposed high mountain areas may become hazardous.

The sea is also becoming increasingly rough. Forecasts indicate combined north and north west swells reaching 5 to 6 meters, with waves locally building to 6 to 7 meters near Lanzarote and Fuerteventura.

Northeast winds reaching force 7, or 50 to 61 km/h, will contribute to turbulent seas. Wave periods of 10 to 12 seconds are expected.

High tidal coefficients add another factor. Values of 94 on Monday and 99 on Tuesday and Wednesday will amplify the impact along exposed coasts.

The areas most exposed to northern and western swells include:

• Northern and western coasts of the higher islands
• Eastern coasts of Lanzarote and Fuerteventura
• South eastern coastal sectors of several islands

Authorities have urged residents to follow official safety guidance and avoid unnecessary activity along exposed coastlines and high mountain terrain.

Storm Regina moves toward mainland Spain

While Regina initially affected the Canary Islands and the Gulf of Cádiz region, the system is expected to shift northward. Its influence is expanding toward mainland Spain.

In Catalonia, Spain, the first atmospheric changes appeared as skies turned hazy and heavy. Southerly winds carried moisture and suspended dust from North Africa.

Light showers and drizzle began to fall. The rain mixed with airborne dust, producing muddy precipitation. Even small amounts of rain leave surfaces coated with a thin layer of dirt.

Coastal winds strengthened across the Mediterranean shoreline. Meteorological alerts have been issued in coastal areas around Barcelona, Spain and Tarragona, Spain due to strong winds and rising waves.

Gusts along the coast may exceed 60 to 70 km/h, while wave heights may surpass 2.5 to 3 meters.

Heavy rainfall expected later in the week

From Thursday onward, the storm is forecast to affect Catalonia more directly. The easterly wind will intensify and precipitation will become widespread.

Rain is expected to move inland from the Mediterranean, spreading across the region and continuing through Friday and into the weekend.

Meteorologists indicate that many areas may accumulate 50 to 100 liters per square meter. In some mountainous and northeastern districts totals could exceed 150 liters per square meter, with localized amounts approaching 200 liters per square meter.

The heaviest rainfall is expected in:

• Ripollès
• Garrotxa
• Alt Empordà
• Roussillon
• Vallespir
• Conflent

Snowfall will occur mainly in the eastern Pyrenees at elevations above 2,000 meters. Accumulations may exceed 50 centimeters in high terrain.

At the highest peaks of eastern Ripollès and Conflent, snowfall could surpass one meter.

An already exceptional winter for Catalonia

The arrival of Storm Regina follows an unusually wet winter in Catalonia. According to Meteocat, the winter of 2025 to 2026 has been the wettest in the past 30 years.

Rainfall totals have been remarkable in several locations:

• Els Ports Natural Park: 657 liters per square meter in three months
• Darnius Boadella reservoir: 591 liters per square meter
• Puig Sesolles: 583 liters per square meter

The Ebro meteorological station recorded its third wettest winter in a 121 year series. The Fabra Observatory documented its fifth wettest winter in 113 years of records.

Snowfall in the Pyrenees has also been exceptional. Snowpack totals of two to three meters were measured in high elevation zones.

At the Núria station in Ripollès, Spain, snow depth reached 144 centimeters at the end of January, the highest value recorded in the station’s 26 year observation history.

Storm activity throughout the season also produced powerful wind episodes. In mountainous terrain, gusts exceeded 150 km/h, while populated areas recorded gusts near 100 km/h.