High levels on the Baltic Sea: Danger from the next storm surge?

High levels on the Baltic Sea: Danger from the next storm surge?

These days, the coastal region of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania is affected by a continuing flood that not only employs the residents, but also keeps the responsible authorities busy. As Barth, Stralsund, Sassnitz and Greifswald. The average water level in Warnemünde was measured to 617 cm in the period from 2010 to 2020, while the lowest water level was 332 cm, measured in 1967. The highest storm surge in the region raged on November 13, 1872 with a maximum stand of impressive 770 cm.

storm floods: a recurring phenomenon

storm floods are a well -known risk at the German Baltic Sea. The division into storm surge classes is helpful. These range from a normal storm surge, which is 1.00 to 1.25 meters above the middle water level, to very heavy storm surges that go beyond 2.00 meters. Especially the severe storm surge last October caused serious damage - a total of 56 million euros were affected, such as the Federal Office for Sea shipping and hydrography

The warnings of floods are diverse: flood centers, police, fire brigade and also social media play a major role. Warning channels such as radio, television and also digital advertising boards help to inform the population in good time. The persistently high levels in the Baltic Sea are currently a serious topic.

The role of climate change

Another aspect that the Environmental Federal Office is the increase in sea level. This not only changes the starting point for upcoming storm surges, but also increases the probabilities for serious floods. Especially in the winter months, storm floods on the coast of Schleswig-Holstein and Lower Saxony can be observed particularly often. It remains to be seen how meteorology will develop in the next few years.

Taken together, the impression is that the storm flood situation on the Baltic Sea is not only a natural phenomenon, but is also influenced by human activities. The climate change and local measures in the aesties are factors that must not be underestimated.

Overall, there is a building image of the challenges that storm surges have. The region not only has to face the forces of nature, but also take appropriate precautionary measures to secure the infrastructure and minimize damage.