Flood alarm in Dresden: Elbe water levels endanger parts of the city!

Flood alarm in Dresden: Elbe water levels endanger parts of the city!

On October 30, 2025, the Elbe, one of Europe's largest rivers, will be in focus again. It rises in the Czech Republic and flows through eastern Germany to the North Sea near Brunsbüttel, where it finally touches Schleswig-Holstein and Lower Saxony. Important cities such as Dresden, Dessau, Magdeburg and Wittenberge lie along the river. Current flood warnings primarily affect Saxony, and the water levels in Dresden are crucial for the safety of residents. This reports DNN.

The water levels are crucial for flood warnings in the region. A distinction is made here between “mean low water” (MNW) and “mean high water” (MHW), which represent average values ​​over certain periods of time. The MNW is calculated approximately from the annual low value of the last ten years. If levels rise above critical values, parts of Dresden, such as Terrassenufer, Mickten, Johannstadt and Pieschener Allee, are at risk of flooding. Mobile flood protection gates are activated when water levels exceed 6.10 meters on Weißeritzstrasse. This also applies to the Ostraufer at 7 meters.

Flood warning levels in Saxony

In order to address flood warnings in detail, the different alert levels in Saxony should be taken into account. These are as follows:

• Alarmstufe 1: Kleines Hochwasser (Beginn der Ausuferung).
• Alarmstufe 2: Mittleres Hochwasser (Überflutung von Grünland).
• Alarmstufe 3: Großes Hochwasser (Überflutung von Grundstücken).
• Alarmstufe 4: Sehr großes Hochwasser (Überflutung größerer Flächen).

The mean water level of the Elbe in Dresden is 156 cm during the period from November 1, 2010 to October 31, 2020. The lowest low water level was recorded as 21 cm, while the highest flood level reached 940 cm on August 17, 2002. This information comes from the system FIS Elbe, which provides comprehensive data on the Elbe and its tributaries.

Rapid dissemination of information during floods

In the event of an impending flood, the relevant institutions such as federal and state authorities as well as local fire departments and police are required by the regulations to inform the population quickly. The warnings are distributed through a variety of channels, including radio, television, loudspeaker trucks and social media. Digital billboards are also used to warn citizens in good time.

If one takes into account the global climate change situation, in which extreme weather events are increasing, it remains exciting to see how those responsible will deal with the challenges surrounding the Elbe in the future. Will climate change bring even more water? Or are we going to experience a period of drought? The water levels are always a good indication, which is why the data from the Same data portals are of great importance in order to be well informed and prepared for anything.