Storm flood warning: high waves and flooding on the Baltic Sea coast!

On Saturday, January 10, 2025, the Federal Office for Sea shipping and hydrography (BSH) warned of a storm surge on the entire German Baltic Sea coast, with the exception of the Kiel Bay. Especially in Koserow on Usedom, the highest level on Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania's Baltic Sea coast is expected, where meter-high waves hit the beach and the pier. Due to strong gusts of wind and temperatures around freezing, only a few onlookers ventured onto the pier.

The forecasts indicate that a water level of 1.10 meters above the middle water level could be reached in the Lübeck Bay and west of Rügen by evening. Water levels of up to 1.20 meters are even possible to the east of Rügen. In Zühlendorf am Grabower Bodden, the first smaller ports have already suffered from the floods, the water extends to the dike crown, and the harbor gate is hardly visible. According to the Nordkurier restrictions were made as a precaution, including the closure of the barrier Greifswald on Saturday, to protect the dikes from the high water load. Environment Minister Till Backhaus (SPD) explained that the closure was due to the high water levels in the area of ​​the Ryck mouth.

weather conditions and precautionary measures

In the city administration of Stralsund, the residents were advised to remove their cars from areas at risk of flooding. Wet feet are also likely in the port area of ​​Wolgast, since the fishing club and the adjacent bike path are already under water. According to meteorologists from the German Weather Service (DWD), wind and wind gusts between 55 and 80 km/h (BFT 7-9) from northwest to north can be expected on the coast. In exposed locations, such as between Darß and Rügen and the Greifswald Oie, individual heavy gusts of wind could even occur around 95 km/h (BFT 10).

In addition, it is reported that the weather service also expects the entire Baltic coast, including Rügen and the Bay of Lübeck, with rising levels that could begin on Friday evening. A maximum of 1.15 meters above the mean value is expected in Koserow. The storm flood warning applies from the Kiel Bay in Schleswig-Holstein to the small Haff in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, whereby Stralsund is likely to be affected than Wismar, such as ndr announced.