Floods in the north: Current water levels are alarming coastal residents!

Floods in the north: Current water levels are alarming coastal residents!

On October 3, 2025, the water levels on the Baltic Sea coast of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania will once again be a topic of discussion, as the effects of the last severe storm surge are still being felt. This cost the cities along the coast around 56 million euros, with Sassnitz alone having to report a financial requirement of around 42 million euros to restore the infrastructure. Six million euros are also planned for the artificial nourishment of beaches that have been affected by sand loss in order to stabilize the dunes and improve coastal protection. According to ostsee-zeitung.de, these measures are of the utmost urgency, as storm surges in the region are a significant natural hazard apply.

Strong winds and the associated water pressure on the coast cause storm surges, which usually occur on the Baltic Sea in the winter months. During this time, the weather conditions are particularly treacherous, and the storms can often not be ruled out as extreme weather events. This calls the flood control centers into action, which warn of rising water levels through various channels such as radio, television or digital advertising platforms, as recent developments show.

Water levels and storm surge classes

The measuring stations in Wismar, Warnemünde, Althagen, Barth, Stralsund, Sassnitz and Greifswald show the following water levels at the last measurement:

• Zingst: 509 cm (Differenz zum Mittelwasser: 2 cm)
• Bodstedt: 513 cm (Differenz zum Mittelwasser: 3 cm)
• Ralswiek: 504 cm (Differenz zum Mittelwasser: -4 cm)
• Stralsund (Knieperteich): 241 cm (Differenz zum Mittelwasser: -6 cm)
• Marlow (Recknitz): 518 cm (Differenz zum Mittelwasser: -7 cm)
• Bad Sülze (Recknitz): 607 cm (Differenz zum Mittelwasser: -14 cm)

Storm surges are classified based on clearly defined water levels. A storm surge is considered as such from a water level of 1.00 to 1.25 m above the mean water level, while a very severe storm surge is classified above 2.00 m. Historically, such extreme water levels were last measured on November 13, 1872 in Warnemünde at 770 cm.

Storm surges and climate change

As umweltbundesamt.de reports, sea level rise as a result of climate change means that future storm surges could potentially be even higher, but damage does not necessarily have to increase to the same extent. This development requires increased attention to the dangers posed by frequent storms and hurricanes that endanger coastal regions. Winds from the west in Schleswig-Holstein and from the north in Lower Saxony are described as particularly effective in causing storm surges.

In summary, it can be said that the issue of floods and storm surges on the Baltic Sea coast is still at the top of the agenda. Appropriate precautions are essential to minimize the impact on people and nature. Looking ahead to the coming months and potential weather extremes, it is to be hoped that residents are well prepared for the challenges that the stormy weather poses to coastal regions.