Elbe at risk: Flood warnings for Dresden are causing excitement!

Elbe at risk: Flood warnings for Dresden are causing excitement!

Today, August 12, 2025, the water level of the Elbe in Saxony is showing a worrying trend. The river, which has established itself as one of the largest in Europe, rises in the Czech Republic and runs through numerous important cities such as Dresden, Dessau and Magdeburg until it finally flows into the North Sea near Brunsbüttel. For many residents and business owners, the water level of the Elbe is of crucial importance, not only because of the possible risk of flooding, but also in terms of shipping, which depends heavily on the water level.

According to current reports, the water level of the Elbe in Dresden is now 67 cm, which is 55% below the average. In other cities along the Elbe, the situation doesn't look much better. The current water level in Schöna is 82 cm, in Meißen 109 cm and in Riesa 129 cm. A look at the level measurements shows that many values ​​are significantly below the average values, which indicates a critical low water situation. In Torgau, for example, the values ​​are only 55 cm - 64% below the average. Here the situation becomes particularly difficult for shipping and the residents who live on the banks.

Critical water levels and warnings

The city of Dresden has already issued flood warnings that are important for the region. Alarm levels can be divided into four categories: From alarm level 1, a small flood is registered that shows the first signs of escalation. As water levels rise, medium, large and very large floods follow, in which properties and green spaces are increasingly flooded. It becomes particularly critical when the water level rises above 5.5 m. There is then a risk of the terrace bank being flooded. Complete flooding of larger areas is expected from 7 m.

These alert levels are disseminated by flood control centers through various communication channels so that citizens can obtain up-to-date knowledge of possible dangers. Radio, television or special warning apps are essential here in order to provide timely information. The city of Dresden itself has published information on its website and provides information about flood prevention measures.

What to do when water is low?

The current situation not only brings risks from flooding, but also shows the challenge associated with low water levels. In the worst case, water levels below 21 cm can be expected, which has dramatic consequences for shipping. The highest water level measured so far in Dresden was 940 cm, and one can only hope that regulatory measures and natural solutions will help to better manage river regulations in the future.

Furthermore, the current low water situation means that conditions at other important water locations along the Elbe are also being affected. In Magdeburg the level is currently 66 cm, while 75 cm is registered in Dessau. Even in Wittenberg, where the current level is 86 cm, people are worried about further developments.

So what happens next? It remains to be seen whether weather conditions will change over the coming days and whether additional rainfall can ease the situation. In any case, residents are required to be attentive and follow local information. Because as they say in the Rhineland: “Wat kütt, dat kütt” – whatever comes, it will remain exciting.