Elbe under pressure: Current flood warnings for Dresden

Elbe under pressure: Current flood warnings for Dresden

Dresden, Deutschland - Today the region looks forward to the water level of the Elbe, because the level values promise both challenges and opportunities. According to dnn.de is one of the largest Europe's rivers. Her path leads from the Czech Republic to East Germany to the North Sea near Brunsbüttel, where it flows through Schleswig-Holstein and Lower Saxony. Important contact points along the river are Dresden, Dessau, Magdeburg and Wittenberge.

Currently flood warnings have been issued in Saxony. In Dresden, where the water levels are decisive for the assessments, the water level was measured on July 12, 2025 at 9:00 p.m. with 54 cm, which can be located at the lower end of the warning levels. The city has informed the citizens about the measures about the measures and announced alarm levels that are activated when the water level increases.

flood warning levels and levels

The flood warning levels are clearly defined:

• alarm level 1: Small flood (start of the outlet)
• alarm level 2: Medium flood (flooding of grassland)
• alarm level 3: large floods (flooding of individual properties)
• alarm level 4: Very large flood (flooding of larger areas)

The critical levels in Dresden break between exciting levels: the terrace bank is closed from 5.5 m, the flood protection gate on Weißeritzstraße is activated at 6.10 m, while the fluture gate at the Ostraufer takes action at 7 m. An analysis of the water level shows that the following level values have so far been registered during the month of July:

These values prove a falling trend that also affects shipping. Ships need at least one water level of 500 cm for a smooth operation, which is currently not available.

The water levels in other places along the Elbe vary greatly. For example, the level in Schöna is 73 cm, while it is 92 cm in Magdeburg-Buckau. A look at all current locations proves the differences:

The current situation shows how important it is to keep an eye on the water levels. While the Elbe is ultimately monitored, the flood centers are required to spread warnings quickly and effectively, be it on radio, television or smartphone apps.

For the people along the river, it remains exciting whether rising water levels will determine the summer of 2025 or whether the Elbe, shallow water flows against catastrophic free. The past few years have shown that the Elbe delivered both floods and low water "with a dash of tension".