Floods on the Elbe and Neisse in Saxony: alert level 2 reached

The first water level on the Elbe in Saxony has reached alarm level 2. In Schöna, the corresponding guideline value of 5 meters was exceeded in the early morning, according to data from the state flood center. The average value there is 1.58 meters, with 5.39 meters last reported (as of 10.00 a.m.).

The water level is expected to rise further during the course of the day. In the evening, the guideline value of 6 meters for the next alert level is expected to be exceeded.

The population is called upon to take precautions, according to the district of Saxon Switzerland-Osterzegbirge. Among other things, the district office is asking residents to prepare for a possible evacuation. Traffic restrictions are currently only in place for shipping. The operation of the touring boat and two ferries from Schöna and Pirna has been suspended.

Alert level 1 in Dresden

According to data from the state flood center, Dresden is on alert level 1 with a water level of 4.45 meters (as of 10:00 a.m.). Demolition work on the partially collapsed Carola Bridge on the Neustädter Elbufer was completed there on Saturday evening.

The normal level of the Elbe at the Dresden gauge is 2 meters, compared to 9.40 meters during the flood of the century in 2002. The reference value of 5 meters for alert level 2 is expected to be reached in the evening, then 6 meters (alert level 3) on Monday afternoon.

Alert level 2 has also been reached on the Neisse in Görlitz, where the water level is 4.42 meters (as of 10:00 a.m.). The average value there is 1.61 meters. The trend is currently downward, and the level there is expected to fall below 4 meters again by 1 p.m.