A FLOOD risk has led to the Thames Barrier being closed for the second time in two days.

It was closed at 11am today (March 22) to protect the capital from a combined high tide and tidal surge in the Thames Estuary.

Environment Agency staff expect to be able to reopen the barrier at around 3.30pm and will then closely monitor the weather and tides.

They closed it for just under five hours yesterday from 10am until 2.45pm, when the tide went out.

Tidal surges in the Thames Estuary of up to 1m are forecast due to low pressure weather systems over Norway, which cause northerly winds over the North Sea.

These winds then push the water between Holland and the east coast of the UK, causing a hump of water to make its way down the coast.

Thames Barrier operations delivery technical support member Steve East said: "We monitor weather and tidal systems 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, so we are always ready to close the barrier when needed.

"This is the second time the barrier has closed in just over 24 hours, which illustrates how crucial a role it plays in protecting our capital from the threat of tidal flooding.

"This is the 109th time we have closed the barrier and it serves as a reminder to us all that living in the flood plain is never without risk."

  • Residents can check their level of risk and find out what they can do to protect themselves from flooding by visiting the Environment Agency website or calling the Floodline on 0845 118888.