Flood alarm in Dresden: Elbe level dropped dramatically!

Flood alarm in Dresden: Elbe level dropped dramatically!

Dresden, Deutschland - On May 20, 2025, the level of the Elbe in Dresden is viewed as a decisive level for flood warnings. The Elbe, one of the largest rivers in Europe, rises in the Czech Republic and flows through Saxony to the North Sea. Special attention is paid to the water levels in cities such as Dresden, Dessau, Magdeburg and Wittenberge, since endangered areas can be flooded with critical water levels. Flood warnings currently apply to Saxony, which particularly affects the terrace bank in Dresden, which could be flooded with a level of 5.5 meters.

The current level in Dresden is 81 cm, which corresponds to 45% below the average water level of 149 cm. In the entire catchment area of ​​the Elbe, other cities also show low levels: in Meißen, the current water level is 124 cm, which is 38% below the mean, while in Wittenberg 95 cm (51% below the mean) were measured. The levels in Magdeburg, Riesa and other cities are also significantly below average.

levels and warning levels in Saxony

The flood warnings in Saxony are divided into four alarm levels:

• alarm level 1: Small flood (start of the outlet).
• alarm level 2: medium flood (flooding of grassland).
• alarm level 3: large flood (flooding of land).
• alarm level 4: very large flood (flooding of larger areas).

With a level of 6.10 meters, mobile flood scores are activated to minimize the risk of flooding.

flood forecast model and adjustments

The flood forecast model of the responsible institutions has experienced improvements that are intended to increase the accuracy of the predictions. This includes adapting model topography and the inclusion of all the implemented flood protection measures by the end of 2018. The hydraulic drain cross sections have also been optimized. The model has not been able to prove to be fully functional for any real flood events, but is continuously adapted to the current circumstances.

The information on the current situation of the Elbe is continuously updated. So the Wetteronline on the water levels and the lvz informs about the current situation in Dresden and the effects. A comprehensive database can be viewed on the website of flood forecast community Elbe where the current modeling and future flood protection measures are explained.