Ships are only allowed to travel downstream at a speed of 20 kilometers per hour and in the middle of the Rhine. This measure applies from a water level of 6.20 meters, the so-called high water mark 1.
Fence blocks the path to the bastion on the banks of the Rhine in Cologne. | Image source: WDR / Christian Bongers
The high water mark of 6.39 meters was already reached in Cologne on Wednesday afternoon, as the flood portal of the State Office for Nature, Environment and Consumer Protection of North Rhine-Westphalia announced. Cycle paths on the Rhine and a parking lot had already been closed, according to a spokeswoman for the city drainage company.
Düsseldorf closes flood gate
The city of Düsseldorf is also preparing for the floods expected this weekend with initial protective measures. The inlets of the Rhine to the inner city of Düssel were closed on Tuesday to prevent flooding in the city area.
In addition, the water level of the Spee’schen Graben will be lowered by around 60 centimeters in order to absorb the additional water from the inner-city Düssel arms that can no longer flow into the Rhine. The flood gate in the Hamm district is scheduled to be closed on Thursday.
Highest on Monday in Emmerich
The current, probability-based forecasts for the water level on the lower Lower Rhine in Emmerich are around 6.80 meters on Monday night and on Monday.
The Rhine water level between Rees and Emmerich is rising | Image source: WDR / Petra Vennebusch
This peak would mean that, for example, the Grietherort district of Rees would remain accessible without any problems. From a water level of 7.20 meters at the Emmerich gauge, the access road is under water. In Duisburg, the Marientor lock was closed on Wednesday morning to protect the city center from flooding.
Shipping probably doesn’t have to be stopped
The new, probability-based forecasts from the Waterways and Shipping Administration for the coming weekend see a water level of around 7.70 meters at the Cologne gauge for Saturday and Sunday. Shipping will stop at high water mark 2 – and therefore at a water level of 8.30 meters.
A water level of around 7.50 meters is expected for Düsseldorf on Sunday night. There the high water mark 2 is 8.80 meters.
Prognosis difficult
Exactly how high the Rhine will rise is still unclear. This depends, among other things, on the snow line in the Alps and the Black Forest. It is crucial for how much of the announced precipitation falls as snow – and is therefore temporarily stored. Or come down as rain – and thus directly raise the water level.
One thing is certain: the snowfall limit fell to below 1,500 meters by midweek. This means that it remains white on the highest Black Forest mountains such as the Feldberg, and rain falls below. However, predicting the exact runoff quantities (melt plus rain) is difficult.
Our sources:
- WDR weather editorial team
- Federal Waterways and Shipping Administration
- Urban drainage companies Cologne and Düsseldorf