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Attention, Baltic Sea! Storm surge warning brings flooding to the coast!
Current flood warnings on the Baltic Sea: water levels, storm surge classes and financial requirements for Sassnitz after severe damage.
Attention, Baltic Sea! Storm surge warning brings flooding to the coast!
Today, January 21, 2026, the Baltic Sea is causing worried faces on the coast of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. The current water levels show that a storm surge is on the horizon, which is particularly severe in the Bay of Lübeck. According to the Ostsee Zeitung [ostsee-zeitung.de](https://www.ostsee-zeitung.de/lokales/ostsee-hochwasser-aktuelle-ebenestaende-in-rostock-wismar-ruegen-greifswald-a m-21-01-2026-JS46P6DERZEBZC2MVFMUYLZEHE.html?mst_prev_page_id=ZPYTXQ5JQOJX5M73SBMLRZ6RVA&mst_prev_website=oz&mst_prev_link_type=article) A warning has already been issued that water levels in Warnemünde and other coastal towns could rise alarmingly.
In Schleswig-Holstein in particular, water levels of up to 1.50 meters above mean flood are expected. The bays and fjords are particularly at risk, such as the Flensburg Fjord, where it is possible that the water level can even rise to 2.00 meters, according to information from headtopics.com. Due to this situation, Environment Minister Tobias Goldschmidt has urged the population to be cautious and advised them to regularly inform themselves about developments and take appropriate precautionary measures.
Current water levels and historical values
The water levels are an important indication of the security situation on the Baltic Sea coast. The Ostsee Zeitung lists the measuring stations in Wismar, Warnemünde, Althagen, Barth, Stralsund, Sassnitz and Greifswald. The average low value (MNW) in Warnemünde is given at 407 cm and the average high value (MHW) at 617 cm. The highest flood level in Warnemünde was recorded on November 13, 1872 at 770 cm, while the lowest water level was measured on October 18, 1967 at 332 cm.
The storm surge classes provide a clear framework for the existing risks: a storm surge begins at 1.00 meters above the mean water level, while a very severe storm surge is over 2.00 meters. Local residents are currently being sensitized as they need to prepare for possible flooding and damage.
Impact and preparations
In recent years, the issue of storm surges has already caused considerable damage. Last October, for example, the damage in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania amounted to around 56 million euros [ostsee-zeitung.de](https://www.ostsee-zeitung.de/lokales/ostsee-hochwasser-aktuelle-ebenestaende-in-rostock-wismar-ruegen-greifswald-a m-21-01-2026-JS46P6DERZEBZC2MVFMUYLZEHE.html?mst_prev_page_id=ZPYTXQ5JQOJX5M73SBMLRZ6RVA&mst_prev_website=oz&mst_prev_link_type=article) reported. The city of Sassnitz has announced a financial need of around 42 million euros to restore its infrastructure, and it is clear that the tourist infrastructure and harbor protection systems require special attention.
A storm surge is expected today and the coming hours, which could last up to 40 hours. Beach ridges at the mouth of the slime could be flooded, and the possibility of steep banks breaking off is also a concern for many. In particular, the Danish police report that residents and holidaymakers in vulnerable coastal areas are being asked to leave. This already means a cancellation for the ferry connections between Rostock and Gedser.
In order to meet the coming challenges, an accurate risk assessment is necessary. The German Weather Service advises that you regularly inform yourself about the current weather situation and water levels, especially in view of the hurricane-like gusts of up to 110 km/h that were already reported from Friday midday to Saturday morning.
The next time will show how the Baltic Sea reacts to the stormy weather and whether the preparations are fruitful. One thing is certain, however: people on the coast will have to keep their eyes and ears open in the coming days.