Flood alarm on the Baltic Sea: Current water levels in the Bay of Lübeck!

Flood alarm on the Baltic Sea: Current water levels in the Bay of Lübeck!

The Baltic Sea, also known as the Baltic Sea, is not only a picturesque destination but also holds many secrets about its water levels and hydrology. The situation on the coast of Schleswig-Holstein and especially in the Bay of Lübeck is currently an interesting topic. With flood warnings in place, it is important to keep an eye on water levels. LN Online reports that the level values ​​are regularly recorded at various measuring stations, including in Heiligenhafen and Neustadt (Ostholstein).

The water levels are of great importance, especially for residents and tourists in the region. Both the mean high water level (MHW) and the mean low water level (MNW) are regularly documented. The abbreviations include MW for the mean water level, which is 509 cm in Neustadt, and the historically highest flood (HHW), which reached 782 cm on November 13, 1872.

Flood warning levels and their meaning

The warning levels that are used in the event of a flood are particularly important. In Lower Saxony, the alarm levels are precisely defined: Alarm level 1 stands for small floods, alarm level 2 for medium floods, alarm level 3 for large-scale floods and alarm level 4 indicates very large floods. The BSH continuously creates water level forecasts and describes the hydrological and meteorological situation, especially during storm surges.

Floods are not uncommon on the Baltic Sea, and the last few decades have produced many significant events. A striking example is the Baltic Sea storm flood of 2023, which is considered the worst since 1872. While wind buildup and long-lasting southwesterly winds have a significant influence on water levels, it is also noted that the narrow belts and sounds make it difficult for the water to flow back into the North Sea. Wikipedia impressively describes how the region is characterized by such weather phenomena.

Historical reviews and outlooks

The Baltic Sea has a long history of tragic flood events, including the All Saints' Flood of 1304. Historical data shows that there have been numerous storm floods over the centuries, which not only caused massive damage, but also significantly changed the landscape and the way of life of the people in the region. The most severe of these was measured in 1872, which left a dramatic impact on the Baltic Sea while severely restricting access to important coastal locations and infrastructure.

Given these challenges, regular monitoring and timely warnings are crucial. Not only the water levels are recorded, but also the temperatures in order to paint a complete picture of the hydrological situation. In the monthly reports that Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency created, valuable data can be found about the water temperatures and their development over the last decades.

Overall, it is clear that the topic of flooding on the Baltic Sea is not only historically relevant, but is also currently of great importance for the region's residents and visitors. Dealing with water and weather is a constant challenge that requires a good knack for identifying and minimizing damage and dangers at an early stage.