Flood risk closes barrier

12:06pm Saturday 22nd March 2008

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A HIGH tide and tidal surge led to the Thames Barrier being closed yesterday (March 21).

The Environment Agency took the decision to shut it at 10am because the weather patterns showed a substantial surge in the North Sea.

This was expected to result in a 1m surge on top of the high tide in the Thames estuary.

The barrier reopened at around 3.15pm.

Thames Barrier operations delivery technical support team leader Steve East said: "This is a standard procedure for us when we have high spring tides combined with high flows in the river from heavy rain.

"Our 24-hour control room constantly monitors the situation and the forecast levels require us to close the Thames Barrier to perform its role and prevent flooding in the capital.

"We are continuing to monitor the weather and tidal situation closely and we will close the Thames Barrier again should we need to protect the 1.25 million people living and working in London's floodplain.

"This is the 108th time we have closed the Thames Barrier, and it serves as a reminder to us all that living in the flood plain is never without risk."