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Red alert: Storm surges on the Baltic Sea - current water levels and warnings!
Current information on storm surges and water levels on the Baltic Sea coast, including warnings and rules of conduct.
Red alert: Storm surges on the Baltic Sea - current water levels and warnings!
On August 10, 2025, the Baltic Sea will once again show its stormy side. Storm surges are an everyday phenomenon in this region and have not lost their intensity in recent years. Current reports from Kieler Nachrichten show that from July 2022 to June 2023 alone a total of five storm surges were recorded during the season There were even seven such weather events in 2021/2022.
In the history of the Baltic Sea, storm surges occur regularly between October and April, often carried by strong winds that drive the water towards the coast. These meteorological forces lead to massive flooding, which not only puts a lot of strain on the landscape but also on the infrastructure. In October 2023, the region experienced one of the most devastating storm surges in 150 years, which caused extensive property damage amounting to three-digit millions, as reported by Deutschlandfunk. Several dikes burst and countless mobile homes and yachts were swept into the floods.
Current water levels and the role of the Federal Office
The Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency is keeping a close eye on the water situation on the Baltic Sea coast. In the case of low water events, only two such events were recorded in the 2022/2023 season and four in the previous season. The water levels on the Baltic Sea near Kiel-Holtenau are also of interest:
| Type of water level | Height (cm) |
|---|---|
| Mean water level (MW) | 504 |
| Mean low water level (MNW) | 392 |
| Mean high water level (MHW) | 626 |
| Highest flood level (HHW) | 797 (measured on November 13, 1872) |
| Lowest water level (NNW) | 271 (measured on October 4, 1860) |
As the Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency explains, monthly reports are created that include not only water levels, but also water temperatures at various measuring stations. In the event of storm surges, meteorological and hydrological data are combined to provide a comprehensive picture of the situation.
Prepare for storm surges
Residents are urged to prepare for these natural events. The recommended rules of conduct include turning off electricity and gas, securing personal belongings and having not only food, but also battery-operated radios and flashlights available. It is particularly important to plan escape routes and have hand luggage ready for evacuation so that everything runs quickly and smoothly in an emergency.
Given the growing threat of climate change and rising sea levels, the question arises as to how coastal protection measures can be optimized in the face of these challenges. Deutschlandfunk emphasizes that a significant rise in sea level by 2100 cannot be ruled out, which requires extensive consideration of modern coastal protection solutions as well as close coordination with nature conservation measures.
With a clear view of current developments, it remains to be seen how the situation on the Baltic Sea will develop further. The coming months could be crucial for the continued safety and well-being of coastal residents.