Flood warning: Current water levels on the Baltic Sea at a glance!

Flood warning: Current water levels on the Baltic Sea at a glance!

The Baltic Sea is currently showing impressive water levels, which are causing some excitement. On October 15, 2025, the water levels in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania are of particular interest. Measuring stations in Wismar, Warnemünde, Althagen, Barth, Stralsund, Sassnitz and Greifswald provide current data that is well perceived by the general population. According to the information from Baltic Sea newspaper There are clear definitions for “mean low water” (MNW) and “mean high water” (MHW), which are important for local river inhabitants.

In the period from November 1, 2010 to October 31, 2020, the average values ​​were 407 cm for MNW and 617 cm for MHW in Warnemünde. This gives residents an indication of water levels, which are usually not exceeded. For comparison: the highest flood level (HHW) in this region was measured on November 13, 1872, at an astonishing 770 cm, while the lowest value, 332 cm, was recorded on October 18, 1967.

Current warnings and storm surges

The storm surge classes defined on the German Baltic Sea coast range from 1.00 to 2.00 m above the mean water level. This makes it clear to residents when they should expect increased water levels:

• Sturmflut: 1,00 – 1,25 m über MNW
• Mittlere Sturmflut: 1,25 – 1,50 m
• Schwere Sturmflut: 1,50 – 2,00 m
• Sehr schwere Sturmflut: über 2,00 m

Alerts are sent through various channels such as radio, television, and even social media. A comprehensive flood warning system is essential as the last severe storm surge, which occurred in October, caused around €56 million in damage. The city of Sassnitz in particular has reported a financial need of around 42 million euros to restore its infrastructure. In addition, 6 million euros must be invested in washing up sand on beaches and dunes.

Technology in flood protection

Technologically supported systems are an important instrument for preventive measures against floods. The LHP-PublicAPI, at the federal level, provides nationwide flood information and provides a basis for around 1200 water level measurements in Germany. This makes it possible to access data on the current flood situation, which is important for communities and residents. Floodcentralen.de helps inform citizens in a timely manner about impending dangers.

Another useful tool is the flood atlas from the Federal Office of Cartography and Geodesy, which prepares a mixture of precipitation forecasts and river flows. This data is accessible not only to experts but also to any interested person and provides a useful basis for assessing future flood events. Further information about this flood atlas is available at BKG.gdz to find.

Given these significant factors, it is important that all residents remain vigilant and rely on the warnings and information provided to avoid potential harm in the future.