Red alarm level: storm floods on the Baltic Sea endanger our coasts!

On March 4, 2025, various flood events can be observed on the Baltic Sea. While storm surges appear several times a year on the German coast, the Federal Office for Sea shipping and hydrography recorded a total of five storm surges for the period from July 2022 to June 2023. In the previous season, 2021/2022, there were seven storm surges. These storm surges are divided into different classes, with a storm surge begins with a water level of 1.00 to 1.25 meters above the middle water level (MW). From a maximum of over 2.00 meters, one speaks of a very heavy storm surge.

In addition, the region experienced two low water events in the 2022/2023 season, compared to four in the 2021/2022 season. Current water levels on the Baltic Sea near Kiel-Holtenau show that the mean water level at 504 cm, the average low water level is 392 cm and the average flood level is 626 cm. Historically, the highest flood level, ever registered, was measured with 797 cm on November 13, 1872. The lowest stands were documented at 271 cm on October 4, 1860.

warnings and rules of conduct

The flood warnings in Germany are monitored by various institutions, including the federal government, countries, circles, police and fire brigade. The flood center becomes active when the level is dangerous. Various warning channels are available for the population, including radio, television, speaker cars, sirens, websites, warning apps, social media and digital advertising boards.

In the event of impending storm surges, certain rules of conduct must be observed. This includes the parking of electricity and gas, securing personal objects, preparing a battery -operated radio and a flashlight as well as planning escape routes. In addition, care should be taken to create enough food and drinking water supplies, avoid the shores, provide hand luggage for possible evacuation and to look for protection on the higher floors of new buildings.

In the 2023/2024 season, 13 storm surges have so far been registered on the German North Sea coast, which are distributed over various level stations and events, such as bsh.de reported. The data on storm surges on the Baltic Sea and the previous low water events also come from there and enable a comprehensive image of the current weather and water level situation in the region.