Elbe flood waters continue to rise

The flood level of the Elbe continues to rise and, according to a forecast by the state flood control center, will reach the same level as shortly before the turn of the year. At the Schöna gauge on the Czech border, alarm level 3 was reached on Friday morning at over 6 meters. On Friday morning, hydrologists there expect a peak of 6.40 meters, after which the water level should slowly fall again.

In Dresden, an alert level 2 was in force on Friday with a water level of 5.46 meters. In the Saxon state capital, flood experts expect the peak on Saturday evening at around 5.92 meters - just below the guideline value for the second-highest alert level 3. A water level of around two meters is normal in the Elbe in Dresden. Shortly before New Year's Eve, the river in the state capital had risen to 5.95 meters.

The city of Dresden once again closed the Terrassenufer to traffic and set up detour. It also called on people not to go sightseeing on the Elbe and to stay away from the water. In Saxon Switzerland, several Elbe ferries were taken out of service until further notice, the transport association VVO announced.