Storm surges on the Baltic Sea: Current levels and safety tips!

Storm surges on the Baltic Sea: Current levels and safety tips!

The coastal regions of Germany are repeatedly faced with challenges from storm surges that regularly occur on the Baltic Sea. That's what she reports Kiel News that a total of five storm surges were recorded between July 2022 and June 2023. In the previous 2021/2022 season there were even seven. For the current season, it appears that the weather will remain unpredictable.

A look at the water levels as of today, October 15, 2025, shows that the water level on the Baltic Sea is 505 cm, which represents a deviation of plus 1 cm from the mean water level. These values ​​are of great importance for the affected population because they not only influence everyday life, but also security in the affected regions.

How storm surges occur

Storm surges are caused by strong winds pushing water against coastlines and can cause significant damage. The Deutschlandfunk documented that the storm surge that hit the Baltic Sea coast in October 2023 was the worst in 150 years. Several levees burst, leaving devastation throughout the area. Countless houses were flooded and numerous yachts were sunk. In total, this storm surge caused damage running into the hundreds of millions.

Storm surges are also a regular occurrence in other regions, such as the North Sea. In Hamburg, for example, according to observations, an average of six storm surges per season are often recorded between October and April. Climate change leading to sea level rise could increase the frequency and intensity of such weather phenomena, as predicted by the IPCC.

Water levels and warning systems

Looking back at real measured values, an overview shows the Hydrographic Services Schleswig-Holstein that, for example, the water level of the Elbe on October 15th was 578 cm, while the North Sea reached 538 cm. These values ​​demonstrate the dynamic changes and the importance of a functioning warning system issued by various authorities, including regional districts and the police.

The Civil Protection and Disaster Relief Act regulates flood warnings in Germany. Warning channels include radio, television, and also digital platforms such as social media and warning apps. This information is essential to warn the population of impending danger in good time.

Instructions for emergencies

In the event of a storm surge, some important rules of conduct should be observed. In addition to turning off gas and electricity, experts recommend moving important items to higher floors and stocking up on food and water. Taking a battery-operated radio with you can also be crucial to staying informed about current developments.

The ongoing challenge of storm surges requires not only attention, but also constant adaptation of our protective measures. It is still uncertain how the situation will develop in the coming years. What is clear, however, is that statistically speaking, a severe storm surge should occur every 100 years. Climate change is often cited as a crucial factor that could present us with new challenges.

The coming weeks and months will show whether dramatic developments in the weather situation will occur again soon.