Red alert issued in Murcia as storms bring flooding and disruption across Spain

Torrential rain has caused flooding, travel disruption and thousands of emergency call-outs across eastern Spain, with one man confirmed dead after his vehicle was swept away by floodwater in Barcelona

Storms have caused flooding and major disruption across parts of Spain, with the worst conditions hitting the Mediterranean coast. A man has died in Cataluña after his car was swept away by floodwater, while Valencia has dealt with more than 1,000 incidents and the Campo de Cartagena and Mazarrón have been placed under a red weather warning.

Five regions are under orange weather warnings today, with AEMET warning of torrential rain and storms that could bring more than 100 litres per square metre in just a few hours in some areas.

One man dies after being swept away

The first confirmed fatality from the current weather episode was reported in Olivella, Barcelona, where a man's vehicle was swept into a water channel during heavy rain on Wednesday night September 16.

Emergency services began searching after a call was received at around 11:00 pm. The man's body was eventually found around 500 metres from his vehicle. Eleven fire crews, specialist underwater rescue teams and drones were involved in the search.

The heavy rain caused flooding and disruption across Cataluña, including road closures and problems with public transport. An ES-Alert was also sent to residents in several areas as the storms intensified.

El Ciutat de Valencia es una p*** locura. Vídeo de @Adrianherrfos #LevanteAthletic @tiempobrasero @LevanteUD @AEMET_CValencia @AEMET_Esp @AEMET_SINOBAS @apuntoratge @ecazatormentas @SpainStormPred @jcfortea pic.twitter.com/PveJuPa3Wl

— ValènciaWeather⚡️ (@Valencia_WX) September 16, 2026

More than 1,000 incidents in Valencia

Valencia was among the worst-hit areas on Wednesday night, with extremely heavy rain causing flooding across the province.

The Centre for Emergency Coordination reported 1,080 weather-related incidents between 2:00 pm on Wednesday and 8:00am on Thursday, including 606 in Valencia city. Torrent recorded 80 incidents, followed by Moncada with 35, Bétera with 32, Paterna with 29 and L'Eliana with 26.

Some areas recorded more than 70 litres of rain per square metre in just 30 minutes, with Torrent, Alboraia, L'Eliana and Alginet among the locations affected. Roads were flooded and emergency services dealt with vehicles trapped in the water and homes affected by flooding.

The storm also caused major travel disruption. Valencia Airport at Manises was temporarily closed because of flooding, with 11 flights diverted to Alicante-Elche Airport. Metrovalencia services were also interrupted, while roads including the A-3, A-7 and CV-35 were affected by poor visibility and standing water.

The airport has since reopened and Metrovalencia has resumed services, although further heavy rain remains possible.

An ES-Alert was sent to mobile phones across parts of Valencia province at 10.08 pm on Wednesday, warning people about the risk of flooding and advising them to avoid unnecessary travel.

Tremendo. Los fantasmas del pasado vuelven al área metropolitana #València. Esta noche (16/09/2026), situación muy complicada en #Torrent. Intensidad torrencial, casi 100 l/m². En próximas horas la inestabilidad se extenderá a más zonas del Mediterráneo. Vídeo: @valenciasequeja. pic.twitter.com/wiYJ0vI4vI

— MeteOrihuela (@MeteOrihuela) September 16, 2026

Murcia upgraded to red alert

The situation has now moved further south, with AEMET upgrading the Campo de Cartagena and Mazarrón to a red warning for extreme rainfall this morning.

The warning was issued for 10:00am to midday, with up to 60 litres per square metre possible in one hour. The rest of the Region of Murcia remains under an orange warning until midday, after which the warning is expected to be reduced to yellow.

The escalation comes after the regional government had already suspended school classes in 15 municipalities, including Cartagena, Mazarrón, San Javier, San Pedro del Pinatar, Los Alcázares, Torre Pacheco, Fuente Álamo, Águilas and Lorca.

Several other municipal facilities, including centres for older people and people with disabilities, have also been closed as a precaution.

In the early hours of Thursday, Murcia had relatively few incidents, with three minor cases reported between midnight and 8:00am. However, rainfall around Pozo Estrecho reached 36 litres per square metre, while San Javier recorded 16 litres in one hour.

Pequeñas inundaciones nos reportan desde Cartagena donde aún nos afectan núcleos asociados al scm que se formó esta mañana. 🌊🌧⚠️🟠 pic.twitter.com/GVb2WOL57M

— ☈ Meteosureste (@meteo_sureste) September 17, 2026

Alicante and Almería also affected

The south of Alicante remains under an orange warning for heavy rain and storms. Schools have been suspended in Elche, Orihuela and Santa Pola, while several towns have closed parks and outdoor facilities.

Torrevieja has also closed its parks and gardens and suspended outdoor activities, with residents advised to avoid unnecessary journeys.

In Almería, the Levante Almeriense is also under an orange warning. Schools have been suspended in Pulpí, Huércal-Overa and Cuevas del Almanzora, while parks and gardens have been closed.

So far, however, the rain has caused relatively few problems in Almería. Two road incidents have been reported in Cuevas del Almanzora, with the AL-8104 closed and rocks falling onto the AL-7107.
More rain still possible

AEMET continues to warn of intense rainfall and thunderstorms across parts of the Mediterranean today, with the possibility of torrential rain, hail and strong winds.

The weather is expected to become more settled from Friday, but further heavy showers remain possible in parts of the southeast.

With conditions changing quickly, authorities are urging residents to keep checking official weather and emergency warnings and to avoid driving through flooded roads or areas where water levels are rising.

Images: Aemet