Red alert: flood warnings for the Baltic Sea on July 24, 2025!

Red alert: flood warnings for the Baltic Sea on July 24, 2025!

Storm surges on the Baltic Sea are now a common sight: nature causes floods several times a year, and the current situation is no exception. Today, July 24, 2025, the Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency reported that a total of five storm surges occurred in the last season from July 2022 to June 2023. For comparison: In the previous season there were seven storm surges on the German Baltic Sea coast. The water levels in the different regions are also remarkable and fluctuate depending on the location.

Current water levels on the Baltic Sea coast are as follows: In Kiel-Holtenau the mean water level is 504 cm, while the storm surge classes are defined between 1.00 and over 2.00 meters above the mean water level. This classification ranges from normal to very severe storm surge, and residents are urged to take precautions if danger is imminent. Flood warnings are issued by the relevant authorities and distributed via various channels such as radio, television and smartphone apps. As KN Online reports, it is important to turn off electricity and gas in such cases and to always be ready to get to safety.

Flood warnings and water levels

When monitoring water levels, both the North Sea and the Elbe are affected. For example, the Elbe today shows a water level of 681 cm, which represents a positive deviation from the astronomical tide. Information about water levels is regularly updated from various sources, including the hydrological station in Schleswig-Holstein. The current measurements from various rivers, such as the Krückau with 637 cm and the Stör with 633 cm, are an important indicator of the water level in the region.

Water levels on the Baltic Sea are remarkably stable. However, there are deviations. The values ​​are often above the average water level, which indicates an increased water flow. This can vary depending on meteorological conditions, which is why constant monitoring is required.

Preparations and recommendations

For residents on the coast, the Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency provides a list of behavior that should be observed in the event of a storm surge. These include securing personal items, having battery-operated radios and flashlights available, and planning escape routes. Knowing the emergency numbers is essential.

Nature remains unpredictable and awareness of possible storm surges on the Baltic Sea should always be present. Residents and holidaymakers are well advised to find out about current weather events and water levels in order to be able to react in good time to any flood risks.