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Storm surge on the Elbe: Little damage, but strong winds expected on Sunday!
On October 25, 2025, storm “Joshua” raged in North Frisia and Hamburg, causing storm surges and leading to numerous operations.
Storm surge on the Elbe: Little damage, but strong winds expected on Sunday!
At the weekend, the storm “Joshua” swept across northern Germany and brought a few surprises with it. Storm surge warnings were announced, particularly on the North Sea coast and in the Elbe area. Loud Sat1 Regional A rise in water of 25 centimeters above the storm surge mark at the St. Pauli gauge is forecast on Sunday. We can only hope that the fish market there is only slightly flooded.
On Saturday afternoon and evening, residents in Hamburg didn't have to worry much as the water remained below the danger level. During the storm surge on Friday evening, the fish auction hall was flooded, but fortunately there were no police calls. In St. Pauli, water comes over the promenade at around 1.50 meters above mean high water.
Storm surge and storm operations
In Schleswig-Holstein, the storm “Joshua” struck with full force and there were over 70 storm operations. A particularly spectacular incident occurred when a truck crashed into a guardrail in Sankt Peter-Ording due to strong winds - but the driver remained uninjured. Reports from the island of Föhr show that the harbor facilities there were also flooded, which meant that the ferry “Uthlande” could not leave. Other ferry connections, especially between Büsum and Helgoland, were also canceled or adjusted, which presented travelers with major challenges, as the NDR news reports.
The emergency services in Schleswig-Holstein had the situation largely under control by late evening. On Saturday morning, the rescue control center in Elmshorn only counted three operations. However, the German Weather Service (DWD) continued to warn of possible severe squalls on the coast. Wind speeds of up to 120 km/h were measured at a weather station in Schleswig-Holstein.
Advice and outlook
Mayor of Hallig Hooge described the situation as routine and everyone was well prepared. However, the DWD advises not to stay outdoors during the weather warnings. The weather situation is expected to calm down by the beginning of the week, although further storms and rain cannot be ruled out.
The current storm surge is classified as a normal autumn event, with BSH experts emphasizing that climate change could lead to more frequent storm surge-promoting weather conditions in the future. At this point it remains to be seen how the coastal regions will adapt to these developments and whether new coastal protection measures will be necessary.