Baltic Sea under pressure: Current water levels and storm surge warnings!

Baltic Sea under pressure: Current water levels and storm surge warnings!

Today, November 9, 2025, the focus is on the coasts of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, especially the water levels of the Baltic Sea. Current measurements in Wismar, Warnemünde, Althagen, Barth, Stralsund, Sassnitz and Greifswald provide information about the water levels and the potential risks from storm surges. According to a report by Baltic Sea newspaper It explains what the terms “mean low water” (MNW) and “mean high water” (MHW) mean. Between 2010 and 2020 the values ​​for Warnemünde were 407 cm for the MNW and 617 cm for the MHW.

Historically, the highest flood levels on the Baltic Sea coast are of great importance. The record of 770 cm was measured in Warnemünde in 1872, while the lowest water level of 332 cm was recorded on October 18, 1967. As part of the storm surge alert, the different water level classes are monitored by the flood control center, the respective federal states, districts, the police and fire brigade. Various warning channels such as radio, television and digital platforms are used.

Storm surge tendencies and their consequences

The storm surge classification on the German Baltic Sea coast divides them into four categories: A normal storm surge is between 1.00 and 1.24 m above the mean water level. Severe storm surges already exceed 1.50 m, while very severe storm surges even exceed 2.00 m. These classifications help to better assess potential damage and risks. The last severe storm surge in October caused massive damage of around 56 million euros, which underlines the urgency of preventive measures.

The city of Sassnitz is particularly affected, as it reported a financial need of around 42 million euros to restore the infrastructure. In addition, around 6 million euros must be raised to compensate for sand loss on beaches and dunes through artificial nourishment.

Outlook and preparation

The upcoming storm surge seasons require continued vigilance. While some regions on the North Sea coast may have to expect storm surges between 1.5 to 3.5 m above mean high water, the Baltic Sea coast remains affected by its own specific storm surge classes. How bsh.de describes, similar monitoring and classifications are also necessary in the North Sea.

Citizens are well advised to take the warnings seriously and prepare for possible flood events in good time. The versatility of warning channels makes it possible to disseminate information quickly and efficiently in order to best protect the population.

So stay alert and informed as the weather can change quickly on the coasts. There are zigzag battles with the weather, but with well-prepared precautions we can better face the challenges!