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What is a stormflod (storm surge) in Denmark?

High water pushed onto the coast by strong wind.

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Short answer

A stormflod is flooding after extremely high sea levels. Naturskaderådet declares a stormflod for a stretch of coast when the water level is so high that it happens less often than once every 20 years. Water-level warnings start above 1,9 m at Thyborøn, Thorsminde and Hvide Sande, above 2,4 m at Esbjerg and Rømø, and above 1,25 m in the Baltic and inner Danish waters. The highest water level recorded in Denmark is 6,12 m at Ribe in 1634.

Weather and seasons

Why

  1. Naturskaderådet decides from Kystdirektoratet's assessment and DMI data.
  2. Warning levels are higher in the Wadden Sea, where category 3 starts above 4 m.
  3. Storms can raise or lower water levels for days afterwards.

Details

Damage not covered by ordinary insurance can be compensated from the stormflod scheme, but only if the property is fire-insured.

Tip

If you stay by the coast in autumn or winter, follow water-level forecasts on dmi.dk/vandstand.

What may differ

A stormflod is only declared for the coastal stretches that were hit, not for the whole country.

Common misconception

Every flooded harbour after a storm is officially a stormflod.

What actually happens

It only counts as a stormflod when the water level is rarer than a 20-year event.

People also ask

  • What counts as a storm in Denmark?
  • How are storms named in Denmark?
  • Where can I see the water level in Denmark?

Sources

This answer is for reference only. Weather varies a lot from year to year, so check the DMI forecast before you travel.

Weather and seasons
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