First Winter Storm Surge Floods Hamburg's Fish Market

Strong northwesterly winds pushed North Sea waters into rivers, causing moderate flooding along northern Germany's coasts and in Hamburg.

Hamburg experienced its first winter storm surge of the season, with the Elbe River rising 1.90 meters above the average high-water mark, flooding the city's historic Fish Market.
The storm surge was driven by strong northwesterly winds, which pushed seawater deep into rivers and coastal areas across northern Germany.
Light storm surges were also recorded along the North Sea coast, with water levels reaching 1.66 meters above average in Büsum and 1.63 meters in Husum.
Authorities in Hamburg and along the North Sea coast reported no significant damage or major incidents related to the flooding, as coastal protection measures held firm.
Meteorologists expect windy and unsettled conditions to persist in the coming days, though the risk of further storm surges is expected to decrease before Christmas.