The iconic Thames Barrier, a cornerstone of London’s flood defence strategy, was temporarily closed by the Environment Agency today to protect the city from potential flooding. The closure was initiated at approximately 8 a.m. on Monday, January 15, 2024, and is scheduled to remain in effect until 6 p.m.
The Thames Barrier, situated on the River Thames at Woolwich Reach in East London, stands as a remarkable flood control structure with a width of 520 meters. Its primary function is to safeguard London from the perils of storm surges and the risk of increased river levels due to heavy rainfall.
