Storm surge in Lower Saxony: Early warning for North Sea visitors

Storm surge in Lower Saxony: Early warning for North Sea visitors

The German Weather Service (DWD) has issued a storm flood warning for the North Sea coast in Lower Saxony and Hamburg, which has noticeable consequences for both residents and visitors to the region. This unexpected warning comes at a time when many people still enjoy the summer vacation. Already on Friday, August 23, it became known that violent gusts and a risk of storm flood are imminent that affects the ferry connections. These weather conditions can mess up the plans of many holidaymakers on the islands.

In the afternoon of August 23, the weather expert from the DWD reported that the gusts of wind would strengthen themselves. The wind speeds could reach up to 95 km/h, which has a direct impact on safety and mobility in the region. Stormy gusts of up to 65 km/h were also predicted in the inland. Although the temperatures sometimes rise up to 27 degrees, this is severely affected by the impending flood of storms and the strong wind.

an unexpected change in weather

Cause of the storm flood warning is an extensive storm low that moves over the North Sea. The DWD announced that the wind conditions are influenced by the storm low in Island. On Friday morning, the population was pointed out that strong winds could move across the coastal region from the afternoon. On this day, the water rescuers of the DLRG had to take precautionary measures on Norderney and draw the bathers aware of the danger with red flags.

The Hamburg police also turned to the citizens and recommended that they leave deep areas, especially in port and in HafenCity, to avoid possible damage to vehicles and property. This multiple warning shows the urgency of the situation and the need to inform the population about the risks.

impaired ferry connections on the North Sea coast

The storm surge has significant effects on the ferry connections in the region. According to the Lower Saxony Traffic Management Center, changes to the timetable for the connection from Harlesiel to Wangerooge were announced. There were several ferry connections around the lunch hours due to the high water levels. So the ferry was only from Harlesiel at 1:30 p.m., and the descent of the ferry at 2:30 p.m. from Wangerooge also had to be canceled. These failures in particular meet holidaymakers who rely on these means of transport.

The affected coastal areas include Norderney, Bensersiel, Emden, Wilhelmshaven, Cuxhaven and Bremerhaven, where a deviation of the flood is forecast by more than one meter. The exact time of the flood varies depending on the location, but the predictions are enough from 2:50 p.m. in Norderney until 4:46 p.m. in Bremerhaven.

A look at the future weather forecasts

The weather forecasts remain changeable for the coming days. While the weather became friendlier on Friday afternoon, stronger winds were expected in the evening and the following night. The meteorologists also warn of other thunderstorms that could come to the region on Saturday. The weather in Lower Saxony will remain a mixture of warm temperatures and sudden, stormy gusts. Summer feelings are confronted with the reality of strong weather phenomena, which is surprising for many.

Weather Extreme: The North Sea in the storm

causes of the storm surge

The storm surge in Lower Saxony was the result of an extensive storm low that formed above the Atlantic, especially in Iceland. Such storm lows can create strong winds, which in turn increase the water level in the North Sea. These meteorological phenomena often lead to wind directions that press the water into the bays and estuares, which increases the risk of storm surges.

In addition, the tides play an important role in the development of storm surges. In the event of a storm surge, the high water level adds up to an increased tidal level during the storm phase. Such combinations are dangerous, especially during the spring and autumn months, if the tidal forces can work together with extreme weather conditions.

weather forecast and future developments

For the coming days, weather experts from the German Weather Service (DWD) expect continuous weather in Lower Saxony. The forecasts indicate changeable conditions with occasional showers and thunderstorms, especially in the western and northern regions of the country. The temperatures are expected to fluctuate between 22 and 27 degrees Celsius, depending on the respective region.

In addition, the high humidity could favor climatic. Meteorologists warn that the increasing frequency of extreme betters is a global phenomenon that is related to climate change. According to a report by the World Climate Council (IPCC), such extreme events could occur more frequently and more intensively in the future, and Lower Saxony could continue to be affected by such weather events.

statistics on storm surges in Germany

The frequency of storm floods on the German North Sea coast has been documented in recent decades. According to the Federal Office for Sea shipping and hydrography (BSH), there has been an increase in storm flood frequency in the past 30 years, combined with ecological and economic effects. Between 1990 and 2020 there were over 20 significant storm surges that caused massive damage to infrastructures, coastal areas and natural habitats.

The economic effects of these storm surges are also remarkable: the damage caused by floods in coastal regions often amount to several million euros, including the costs for repair work and the loss of tourist income. It is estimated that the total costs for coping with storm flood scenarios in Germany compared to the 1990s could have increased by up to 50 %.