February 24, 2020

Anna Murray 

The Sahara storms swept across the Canary Islands with massive red sand on February 22. The visibility at Gran Canaria Airport was reportedly reduced to less than 400 meters. Hence, Spain’s authorities had to suspend all flights in and from Gran Canaria and all flights leaving Tenerife.

The desert dust storm was causing travel chaos in Spain. According to reports, air travel suspension had affected more than 230 flights. Hundreds of travelers were stranded at the airports in the Canary Islands due to the extremely dusty weather conditions as strong winds brought large and heavy dust clouds from the Sahara, keeping the sky appearing orange.

This weather phenomenon is locally called as the "Calima" meaning a burst of Sahara sandstorm. This Calima disturbance was expected to subside in areas of the Canary Islands by February 24.

Photo:Webshot.