Baltic Sea under pressure: Current flood levels are alarming coastal residents!

Baltic Sea under pressure: Current flood levels are alarming coastal residents!

On August 14, 2025, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania will look at the current water levels in the Baltic Sea. The measuring stations in cities such as Wismar, Warnemünde, Althagen and Greifswald provide valuable data that is of great importance not only for coastal residents, but also for the entire region. According to the Baltic Sea newspaper The data for Warnemünde is a mean high water (MHW) of 617 cm and a mean low water (MNW) of 407 cm, based on values between November 1, 2010 and October 31, 2020. Historically, the highest flood level is 770 cm, reached on November 13, 1872. In contrast, the lowest water level was 332 cm on October 18 Captured in 1967.

But what does all this mean for the coastal region? The different classes of storm surges illustrate how much storm surges can vary on the German Baltic Sea coast. These range from a simple storm surge of 1.00 m above the mean water level to very severe storm surges of more than 2.00 m above the mean water level. The Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency divides the storm surges on the North Sea coast into three categories and reports that 13 storm surges have already been recorded in the current 2023/2024 season.

Historical storm surges and current risks

Storm surges are a significant natural hazard in coastal areas and can be caused by strong winds. Wind buildup and the specific conditions of the coastline have a direct impact on water levels. A study of Federal Environment Agency highlights the cycles of flood levels that rise and fall over the years, often related to the seasons and coastal protection. Over the years there have been examples of massive storm surges that not only threatened the water but also the lives of many people.

In October last year, the last severe storm surge caused damage amounting to around 56 million euros. The city of Sassnitz was particularly affected, as it had to report a financial need of around 42 million euros to restore its infrastructure. Coastal protection also requires investment: six million euros are needed to compensate for sand losses on beaches and dunes through artificial nourishment.

Prevention measures and warning systems

The flood risk warning systems are clearly structured and include various channels. Information flows via radio, television, loudspeaker trucks and sirens, but also via modern digital media platforms, websites and social media. Anyone living on the coast should be aware of the alert levels and take appropriate precautions.

Given climate changes and sea level rise, it is essential to keep a close eye on developments. This means that both rural residents and researchers have a good knack for taking the necessary measures to ensure that the coastal region remains sustainably protected.