Storm surges on the Baltic Sea: Current levels and warnings for Schleswig-Holstein

Storm surges on the Baltic Sea: Current levels and warnings for Schleswig-Holstein

Lively storm surges on the Baltic Sea are also shaping the weather in Germany this year. Another chapter in the reports about the storm surge season will currently open on October 28, 2025. According to the information from Kieler Nachrichten, five storm surges occurred between July 2022 and June 2023. In the 2021/2022 season there were even seven. This makes it all the more important to understand the different storm surge classes, which range from light to very severe storm surges. The storm surges on the Baltic Sea coast are classified as follows: a storm surge is between 1.00 and 1.24 meters above the mean water level, while a very severe storm surge rises to over 2.00 meters.

The water levels in Kiel-Holtenau offer an interesting insight into the development of water levels on the Baltic Sea. The mean water level is 504 cm, while the extreme values ​​such as the highest flood level of 797 cm on November 13, 1872 and the lowest water level of 271 cm on October 4, 1860 were recorded. Low water events should not be neglected either. There were two low water events in the 2022/2023 season, compared to four in the 2021/2022 season.

Warning systems and rules of conduct

The issue of flooding is taken seriously by various authorities. A flood control center is active in every federal state and provides warnings. These reach the population via channels such as radio, television, social media and special warning apps. The authorities strongly recommend rules of conduct during storm surges. This includes turning off electricity and gas, securing important personal items on higher floors, and having a battery-operated radio and food available.

A look at the storm surges on the German North Sea coast shows that there are similar classifications there, but with different standards. While the Baltic Sea is divided into four classes, there are three categories in the North Sea, ranging from 1.5 to 3.5 meters. The Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency is responsible for collecting and evaluating this data to ensure safety and timely warning for residents.

In short, the storm surge season presents challenges every year, but through preventive measures and increasing awareness of flooding, many hazards can be minimized. The development of water levels, as well as storm surges, are a good indicator of the weather situation on the Baltic Sea, which residents should always keep an eye on. Further details on the current flood situation can be found on the website of the Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency.