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

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

On July 23, 2025, the current water levels along the Baltic Sea and other bodies of water in Schleswig-Holstein show an interesting development. On the Baltic Sea coast, as reported by kn-online.de, five storm surges have been registered since July 2022 to June 2023 been. In the previous season there were even seven, which shows that storm surges are a regular phenomenon here.

There is no doubt that climate change also has an impact on the frequency and intensity of these natural events, as the reports from the Federal Environment Agency make clear. Sea level rise leads to a higher initial level for storm surges, which are pushed onto the coast by strong winds. Although the number of storm surges may not necessarily increase in the future, it is expected that they could cause more damage.

Water levels at a glance

Current reports show that water levels fluctuate greatly both on the Baltic Sea and on other bodies of water in Schleswig-Holstein. The following information about the water levels is particularly noticeable:

• Elbe: 706 cm (Differenz zur astronomischen Tide: +40 cm)
• Nordsee: 663 cm (23.07.2025, 12:30 MEZ)
• Eider: 477 cm
• Krückau: 688 cm
• Trave: 520 cm
• Ostsee: 523 cm

These values ​​are not just a snapshot, but also part of an annual trend. The hsi-sh.de continuously documents the water levels and discharge values, which act like a barometric measure of the weather events in the region.

Behavior during storm surges

Given the recurring storm surges, it is essential for residents to be well prepared. The kn-online.de gives concise tips on how to behave during a storm surge:

• Strom und Gas abstellen.
• Wichtige persönliche Dinge in höhere Stockwerke bringen.
• Batteriebetriebenes Radio und Taschenlampe bereithalten.
• Lebensmittel- und Trinkwasservorräte anlegen.
• Uferbereiche meiden und Schutz in höheren Stockwerken suchen.

Equipped with emergency numbers such as 112 for the fire department and 110 for the police, residents can quickly request help in an emergency. Awareness of the risk of storm surges and appropriate precautions are crucial to ensuring the safety of those affected.

Today shows that the Baltic Sea and its surroundings not only offer a picturesque backdrop, but also require a constant dialogue with the elements. The changing water levels demand both attention and a good sense of the natural hazards that await here.