High Water Levels Cause Flooding in Rotterdam and Deventer

High water levels along the Maas River in Rotterdam and Vlaardingen, and the IJssel River in Deventer, Netherlands, have led to flooded quays and temporary closures as of Tuesday, February 17, 2026.

Flooding in Rotterdam and Vlaardingen

Kades along the Maas River in Rotterdam and Vlaardingen are currently under water due to high water levels. The highest water level in Rotterdam was recorded around 4:00 PM local time, reaching 2.25 meters above NAP (Normaal Amsterdams Peil). NOS News reports that the cycle path along the Nieuwe Maas on the Noordereiland is completely submerged and closed to traffic.

As a precaution, the municipality of Vlaardingen closed sections of the Westhavenkade, Oosthavenkade, Koningin Wilhelminahaven Zuidzijde, Noordzijde, and Maasboulevard at 2:30 PM local time. These quays were reopened later in the evening as water levels subsided. Reformatorisch Dagblad

Impact in Deventer

Deventer is experiencing high water levels in the IJssel River. The municipality has temporarily closed the steps in the uiterwaarden of the Wilhelminabrug and the spoorbrug. Reformatorisch Dagblad indicates these closures are expected to remain in effect until at least the complete of February.

The municipality of Deventer notes that cities along major rivers frequently experience high water levels, particularly as winter transitions to spring, due to rainfall in the river’s catchment area and snowmelt in the Alps. NOS News

Water Levels Considered Normal

According to Rijkswaterstaat, the water levels in the Rijn and IJssel rivers are currently considered “normal” for this time of year. The Maas River’s flow is “slightly elevated” due to recent rainfall and snowmelt in France and Belgium. NOS News