Ostsee floods: Current water levels and storm flood warnings!

Ostsee floods: Current water levels and storm flood warnings!

Warnemünde, Deutschland - On July 18, 2025, the water levels on the German Baltic Sea coast are a hot topic. In Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, where the sea currents often lead to storm surges, the measuring stations in Wismar, Warnemünde, Althagen, Barth, Stralsund, Sassnitz and Greifswald are observed particularly closely. According to the Ostsee-Zeitung The average low water level (MNW) in Warnemünde is 407 cm, while the average flood level (MHW) is 617 cm. Historically, the highest level in Warnemünde was recorded with 770 cm on November 13, 1872, which impressively shows us how extremely storm surges can be.

storm floods are divided into different classes on the German Baltic Sea coast. These range from a light storm surge - defined as 1.00 to 1.25 m above the middle water level - to very heavy storm surges that are over 2.00 m. The last one, which was classified as a severe storm surge, caused damage of 56 million euros in October last year and laid the infrastructure in the city of Sassnitz. Around 42 million euros are required here to restore the tourist infrastructure and the port protection systems.

warning systems and storm surge driven

For floods and storm surges, timely warnings about various channels are decisive. These come from flood centers, the authorities and even from the police or the fire brigade. People are informed about radio, television, speaker cars or modern digital media such as warning apps and social media. These measures are important, especially when you consider that storm floods arise from strong wind and special weather conditions. The most common and dangerous years for storm surges are often in winter when the winds are the strongest, as well as on bsh.de

In addition to the frequency of storm surges, the Environmental Bundesamt that the increase in the sea level through the climate change exacerbates the conditions. This could mean that future storm surges not only occur more often, but also achieve higher levels and thus cause more serious damage. Historical data show that extreme individual events are a major challenge, with technical measures for coastal protection and early warning systems are essential.

The situation on the Baltic Sea remains tense and the responsible work intensively on solutions to minimize the damage caused by future storm surges. While experts keep an eye on the control of these natural events, the residents often have no choice but to be prepared for the next storm surge and the associated challenges.