Flood Alerts on the Rhine, Moselle, and Saar Rivers
This week, water levels on the Rhine, Moselle, and Saar rivers are predicted to hit their zenith, following weekend rainfall. According to the Rhine Flood Forecasting Center's report published on Monday, this situation is imminent. Starting from Tuesday or Wednesday, a steady decline in water levels is anticipated.
In the Koblenz gauge at the Middle Rhine, an impressive 5.80 meters high is the projected maximum level in the afternoon hours of Monday. From mid-week onwards, the water levels will drop. At the Maxau gauge, situated between Wörth am Rhein in Rhineland-Palatinate and Karlsruhe, Baden-Württemberg, the control center foresees a slight rise to approximately 7.80 meters on Monday. Measured in Mainz on Monday morning, a plateau of 5.37 meters was noted. From Tuesday or Wednesday, the water levels in Maxau and Mainz are also predicted to decrease continuously.
Currently, a critical mark has been surpassed in the Maxau area, prohibiting ships from sailing on the adjacent Rhine section near Karlsruhe. A significant high water threshold for shipping has been exceeded at all Upper and Middle Rhine gauges ranging from Speyer to Cologne.
Initially, Moselle water levels might remain stationary or marginally increase from Monday to Tuesday due to the anticipated rainfall, as per the forecasting center. From Tuesday until the weekend, a decrease in water levels is expected. Similar trends are anticipated for the Saar.
The weather conditions causing high water levels also influence shipping on the Rhine, leading to a halt in boat traffic near Karlsruhe due to the surpassed critical mark. The shipping on the Saar river might also experience interruptions as the water levels follow a similar pattern.
Source:
Enrichment Insights:
- Rhine River:
- Stable conditions and minimal rain signify that water levels may remain relatively unchanged[2].
- Moselle River:
- The river has been navigable by 300-ton barges since the 19th century, with enhancements in transportation capabilities over time[3].
- Saar River:
- The focus lies more on its geographical characteristics and tributaries in the available sources, with little to no mention of its current water levels[1].
Precise predictions for peak water levels and expected falls are difficult to provide as there is a lack of specific data on recent rainfall and upcoming weather conditions for these rivers. For accurate and up-to-date information, consult more current and detailed hydrological reports or weather forecasts.
