Flood warning for Dresden: This is how the level of the Elbe is rising today!

Flood warning for Dresden: This is how the level of the Elbe is rising today!

Today, October 4th, 2025, the eyes of many people in Saxony are focused on the Elbe. The river, one of the largest in Europe, not only plays a crucial role for the region, but can also quickly become a danger. The water levels in Dresden in particular have attracted increased attention in recent days. Loud Sächsische.de Flood warnings are currently active in Saxony, while the water level of the Elbe is in a critical range.

The current water levels, which are classified as alert levels, show that the Elbe in Dresden could exceed the mean low water level (MNW) of 67 cm and the mean high water level (MHW) of 458 cm. This draws attention to a number of important thresholds to consider during flood operations. At a water level of 5.50 m, the Terrassenufer is closed, while flood protection gates are activated at 6.10 m (Weißeritzstraße) and at 7 m (Ostraufer).

The flood warning levels

Saxony has used a classified flood warning system. The different alarm levels are defined 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)

These levels are communicated by flood control centers, federal and state authorities as well as fire departments and police. Alerts are distributed across a variety of channels, including radio, television, loudspeaker vans and modern digital platforms.

Interestingly, current data from Environment Saxony shows that no flooding has been detected, but the water level has risen by more than 5 cm in the last two hours. This leaves room for concern, particularly given recent experiences with flood disasters. Loud Statista Floods have caused almost 37 percent of all natural disasters worldwide since 2000.

Climate and flood risk

In the context of climate change, it is important to note that a warming atmosphere can store more water, resulting in more frequent heavy rainfall events. These developments make flooding an increasingly real threat. It is all the more important that residents are warned and prepared for possible dangers. Current measurements show that around 7.6 percent of all German addresses are at statistical risk of flooding.

In view of this threat, it is essential that not only flood protection is expanded, but also that natural water retention areas are taken into account. Many infrastructure projects undertaken in recent decades risked increasing the risk of future weather disasters.

It is advisable for citizens in Dresden and the surrounding area to always follow the latest information about the water level of the Elbe, especially when the warnings become louder again. If you would like to find out more about the water level and the current warnings, you can visit the website Environment Saxony visit.