Flood warnings on the Baltic Sea: How to protect yourself now!

On January 9, 2025, the Baltic Sea coast was affected by storm surges that occur several times a year. According to the Federal Office for Sea shipping and hydrography, there were seven storm surges in the 2021/2022 season and five storm surges in the 2022/2023 season. During the same period, low water events caused less frequent water levels, with two low water events 2022/2023 and four in the previous year.

The storm surge classes on the German Baltic Sea coast are categorized as follows: a storm surge is defined as 1.00 to 1.25 meters above the middle water level, while a medium storm surge is between 1.25 and 1.50 meters. Severe storm floods reach 1.50 to 2.00 meters and very heavy storm surges cross 2.00 meters.

Current water levels and flood warnings

Current water levels near Kiel-Holtenau recorded an average water level of 504 cm in the period from November 1, 2010 to October 31, 2020, with the highest flood level of 797 cm, measured on November 13, 1872. Flood warnings in Germany are issued by various institutions such as the federal government, states, police and fire brigade. A flood center is active in every state and Warner use various communication channels such as radio, television, speaker cars, sirens, websites, warning apps and social media.

In a further review of the current water levels, the following values ​​were measured at various locations in Schleswig-Holstein on January 9, 2025: the Krückau reached 567 cm, the sturgeon was 656 cm, and the Elbe measure 624 cm. These values ​​are characterized by deviations compared to the medium water level or to the astronomical tide. The eider recorded different water levels between 467 cm and 505 cm in the same time frame.

The general situation requires special precautions. In the event of storm surges, citizens should park the electricity and gas, bring important personal objects to higher floors, as well as create food and drinking water supplies. It is also advisable to avoid bank areas and to look for protection on higher floors if necessary. Emergency numbers such as 112 for the fire brigade and 110 for the police should also be kept ready.