The Indispensable Thames Barrier: Protecting London from Flooding

💡The financial cost of flooding in London could range from £20 billion to £100 billion, impacting landmarks, buildings, and transportation systems.

⛔️Even occasional glitches, scheduled maintenance, or broken parts must not compromise the Thames Barrier's ability to protect London.

🔧The Thames Barrier undergoes regular testing and maintenance to ensure its readiness and functionality in any situation.

🚢In the rare event of a ship collision, the barrier's robust construction and the ship's buoyancy ensure minimal damage, with the ship typically being the one to suffer the most.

🌊Forecast models and ensemble forecasts enable the barrier's operators to make informed decisions on when to close the gates, ensuring optimal flood defense.

What would be the consequences if the Thames Barrier failed?

—The financial impact of flooding in London could range from £20 billion to £100 billion, rendering iconic landmarks, skyscrapers, and buildings near the river unusable for weeks. Additionally, the central parts of the London Underground would be out of operation for months. The human costs could include the displacement of hundreds of thousands of people.

How often does the Thames Barrier undergo testing?

—The Thames Barrier is tested monthly, with each of the ten individual gates being moved at least twice a month to exercise them. These regular tests ensure that the barrier remains in optimal working condition.

What happens if the power grid fails or there is a power outage?

—The Thames Barrier has three connections to the UK power grid, ensuring reliable power supply. In the unlikely event of a complete power grid failure, the barrier is equipped with three separate diesel generators, any of which can operate the entire system.

How long is the Thames Barrier expected to last?

—The gates of the Thames Barrier are expected to remain operational until at least 2070, with regular inspections and remedial works. However, certain supporting infrastructure, such as fire systems, security systems, and cranes, will require updates in the coming years.

What measures are in place to prevent overtopping of the barrier?

—The Thames Barrier is closed early in the tidal cycle to create a reservoir upstream, limiting the amount of water that can overtop the barrier. If the tide were to rise exceptionally high, any water that cannot be held back by the gates will flow under into the low water on the other side.

00:00The financial cost of flooding in London could range from £20 billion to £100 billion, impacting landmarks, buildings, and transportation systems.

01:40The central parts of the London Underground would be out of operation for months in the event of a failure of the Thames Barrier.

04:46Collisions between ships and the Thames Barrier have occurred in the past, but the barrier's sturdy construction ensures minimal damage to the structure itself.

05:32Forecast models and ensemble forecasts assist in making informed decisions on when to close the Thames Barrier's gates to provide optimal flood defense.

06:03The Thames Barrier's gates are designed to handle extreme tidal conditions that occur approximately once in a thousand years.