The Thames Barrier was closed on Wednesday this week – the first time this winter -  to reduce the risk of flooding in London and along the Thames catchment.

With heavy rain across the south east over the last week, flows on the River Thames have increased. The high flows have coincided with spring tides (when tides are usually at their highest during the tidal cycle) so the Barrier at 11:30am was closed to reduce the risk of flooding.

The Thames Barrier is one of the largest moveable flood barriers in the world, protecting 125 square kilometres of central London, encompassing 1.25 million people and the infrastructure that London depends on.

Stretching  520 metres across the River Thames at Charlton, each gate takes 10 to 15 minutes to close (1 and a half hours for total closure of the barrier) and the control room is manned 24 hours a day, every day of the year.

Steve East, Engineering Manager at the Thames Barrier said:

“We are closing the barrier to protect London from the threat of flooding due to the high level of rain last week combined with high tides from the sea.”

“We are urging people to check their flood risk, prepare for flooding, follow the advice from emergency services and never risk driving through flood water.”