Latest news in Spain? September 18th, 2026

Severe Storms and Flash Floods on the East Coast

• Torrential downpours and storms have battered eastern Spain, primarily impacting Catalonia, Valencia, and Murcia.

  www.theolivepress.es

• In Catalonia, a man was confirmed dead in Olivella after his vehicle was swept away by a flooded stream. Emergency services fielded hundreds of incident calls in Barcelona as metro stations flooded, buses were diverted, and flights faced delays at El Prat airport.

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• In Valencia, heavy rain shut down local metro transit, briefly closed Valencia Airport, and forced the postponement of the La Liga fixture between Levante and Athletic Bilbao. State weather agency AEMET continues to warn of heavy rains moving south toward Murcia and Cartagena.

  Claims Journal+ 1

Border and Diplomatic Tensions in Ceuta

• Spanish authorities continue managing the aftermath of massive migrant arrivals in the North African enclave of Ceuta, which has intensified domestic debate and diplomatic dialogue with Morocco.

• Emergency accommodations and temporary shelter facilities are being expanded as regional courts and security agencies review border security protocols.

Citizenship Legislation for Western Sahara Descendants

• The Spanish Parliament advanced legislation granting Spanish citizenship to Sahrawis born in Western Sahara before 1977 (during Spanish colonial administration), marking a significant legislative step amid regional diplomatic sensitivities.

  Al Jazeera

Sports and Culture

• Controversy continues to swirl around Real Madrid players Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Jr. over solidarity shirts worn during recent matches regarding the Ceuta migrant situation.

  Al Jazeera

• Meanwhile, Formula 1 buzz remains high following the Madrid Grand Prix, which marked the event’s return to the Spanish capital.