Storm surges on the Baltic Sea: Current water levels and warnings!

Storm surges on the Baltic Sea: Current water levels and warnings!

Storm surges on the Baltic Sea are causing increased water levels and timely flood warnings in Schleswig-Holstein. On January 7, 2025, several warnings were issued by the Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency (BSH). According to the current water levels, several relevant heights were recorded in the Baltic Sea region.

How kn-online.de reported that storm surges on the Baltic Sea occur several times a year. Five storm surges were recorded in the period from July 2022 to June 2023, while seven storm surges were recorded in the 2021/2022 season. There were also two low water events in the 2022/2023 season and four low water events in the previous season.

Water levels and flood warnings

The storm surge classes on the German Baltic Sea coast are defined as follows: A storm surge is between 1.00 and 1.25 meters above the mean water level, while a medium storm surge is between 1.25 and 1.50 meters and a severe storm surge is between 1.50 and 2.00 meters. Very severe storm surges are recorded at over 2.00 meters. The water levels at Kiel-Holtenau show an average water level (MW) of 504 cm over a period of ten years (November 1st, 2010 - October 31st, 2020).

Flood warnings in Germany are issued by various institutions, including the federal government, states, districts, police and fire departments. A flood center is active in every federal state and distributes warnings via various channels, such as radio, television, loudspeaker trucks, sirens, websites, warning apps and social media. Recommendations on what to do during storm surges include, among other things, turning off electricity and gas, stocking up on food and drinking water and avoiding bank areas.

At the same time on January 7, 2025 were through hsi-sh.de various relevant water levels were measured. For example, a water level of 660 cm was recorded on the Trave, while the Eider had different values ​​between 475 cm and 1252 cm. The Elbe reached a water level of 660 cm around 10:40 p.m., showing a difference to the astronomical tide of +101 cm.

Given recent developments, it is important that citizens inform themselves about current water levels and potential flood risks to ensure they take the necessary precautions.

– Submitted by West-East media