Baltic Sea floods: Current water levels and storm surge warnings now!

Baltic Sea floods: Current water levels and storm surge warnings now!

What is currently happening on the Baltic Sea coast is stirring people's minds - especially in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. The water levels show an approaching flood, which puts residents on alert. The measuring stations in Wismar, Warnemünde, Althagen, Barth, Stralsund, Sassnitz and Greifswald have updated their data and provide important information on the current situation. The Baltic Sea has its moods, and they are now very popular.

On August 25, 2025, the measuring stations reported critical water levels, which are monitored regularly. The terms “mean low water” (MNW) and “mean high water” (MHW) are particularly important. For Warnemünde, the average low water level is 407 cm, while the average high water level is 617 cm. Historically, the highest flood level of 770 cm, measured on November 13, 1872, is a crucial date in the history of the region.

Storm Surges: A Constant Threat

The constant threat of storm surges is an issue that haunts coastal areas like a shadow. Storm surges are caused by strong winds and often lead to catastrophic consequences. They are not uncommon on the German coast, especially in the winter months. There are clearly defined storm surge classes along the coastline: from 1.00 to 1.25 m above the mean water level to very severe storm surges that can rise to over 2.00 m. On the Baltic Sea coast, a water level of 1 m above the mean water level is classified as a storm surge.

The statistics confirm the danger: Even if the number of storm surges does not necessarily increase, future events could be higher and cause more devastating damage. A clear connection with climate change cannot be overlooked. This not only causes sea levels to rise, but also increases the intensity and duration of storm surges, testing the protective measures of coastal communities.

Financial consequences and infrastructure

The last severe storm surge in October last year caused damage totaling a whopping 56 million euros. The city of Sassnitz reported particular financial needs, having budgeted around 42 million euros to restore its infrastructure. 6 million euros were also budgeted to compensate for lost beaches and dunes through artificial nourishment. With every flood, not only does the water increase, but also the financial burden on the affected areas.

These financial burdens are serious impacts that are also being felt in other coastal regions. Flood events are the most common natural disasters worldwide and have accounted for almost 37 percent of all recorded disasters since 2000. In order to counteract this, a consistent expansion of flood protection and the consideration of natural retention areas would be more than urgently needed.

Current warning systems and societal preparations

Various channels are used to warn the population in good time. Flood warnings are issued via radio, television, loudspeaker trucks, sirens and many digital media such as websites and apps. The multitude of options shows how seriously the situations are taken by both residents and the authorities. Anyone living on the coast should be aware of the risks and be prepared accordingly.

Consequently, we can only hope that timely warnings and appropriate measures are sufficient to prevent greater damage. Anyone who lives on the Baltic Sea has learned to live with this force of nature - and with a bit of luck, not to be overwhelmed by water in the next storm surge. The current water levels show: It's time again to have a good hand with the tides.