Danger of flooding in Rinteln: Current water levels on the Weser alert!

Danger of flooding in Rinteln: Current water levels on the Weser alert!

The Weser, the important river that flows from Werra and Fulda near Hann. Münden rises and runs through many cities, including Rinteln. Today, January 18, 2026, the water levels on the Weser are particularly in focus, as the current flood warnings for Lower Saxony are making people sit up and take notice. According to szlz.de, residents and visitors in Rinteln need to pay attention to the water levels, which have risen significantly in the last few days.

It becomes particularly critical when water levels exceed certain limits. The mean low water level (MNW) for the Weser in Rinteln is currently 121 cm and the mean high water level (MHW) is 563 cm. The highest flood level (HHW) ever measured in this region is a worrying 738 cm, even in 1946. At a water level of 486 cm, the area below Woolworth/Brückentor is under water, and at 500 cm the Weser overflows its banks.

Water levels and critical limits

Maintaining critical water levels is of utmost importance to avoid flooding. Residents should be particularly careful above the following water levels:

• 486 cm: Fläche unterhalb Woolworth/Brückentor geflutet
• 500 cm: Weser tritt über die Ufer
• 520 cm: Hartler Straße, Busbucht läuft voll
• 525 cm: Hartler Straße: Durchfahrt gesperrt
• 540 cm: Zufahrt WoMo-Stellplatz unter Wasser
• 542 cm: Parkplatz Weseranger große Teile unter Wasser
• 550 cm: Dankerser Straße: Durchfahrt gesperrt
• 560 cm: Gefahr größerer Überschwemmung

The water levels in Rinteln not only affect residents, but also shipping. The maximum level for shipping is 485 cm and experts regularly calculate water levels to assess possible flood areas. According to Levelonline.nlwkn.niedersachsen.de, citizens have access to calculations that depict flood risks and indicate that flooding is already highly likely from 667 cm.

Crisis management and warning systems

Flood warnings are issued by a wide variety of institutions, including the federal government, the states, churches, police and fire departments. Warning channels are diverse: radio, television, loudspeaker trucks and modern warning apps inform the population about the current situation. These different channels are necessary to warn everyone affected in a timely manner. Residents should prepare for emergencies and, if necessary, print maps showing flood areas, as recommended by authorities.

The situation on the Weser will be monitored closely over the next few days. It remains to be seen how the water levels will continue to behave and what measures need to be taken to protect the population. Anyone who lives in the region or is planning to visit Rinteln should therefore find out about current developments and pay attention to possible warnings.