The Thames Barrier is a retractable barrier system built to protect the floodplain of most of Greater London from exceptionally high tides and storm surges moving up from the North Sea. It has been operational since 1982. When needed, it is closed (raised) during high tide; at low tide, it can be opened to restore the river's flow towards the sea. Built about 2 miles east of the Isle of Dogs, its northern bank is in Silvertown in the London Borough of Newham and its southern bank is in the New Charlton area of the Royal Borough of Greenwich.
View of the barrier gates, which are closed when a high tide is forecast
Far view of the River Thames Flood Barrier
The barrier from Silvertown on the north bank of the river during normal operation, looking across to New Charlton.
One of the gates in underspill
A storm surge, storm flood, tidal surge, or storm tide is a coastal flood or tsunami-like phenomenon of rising water commonly associated with low-pressure weather systems, such as cyclones. It is measured as the rise in water level above the normal tidal level, and does not include waves.
Hurricane Ike storm surge damage in Gilchrist, Texas in 2008.
Total destruction of the Bolivar Peninsula (Texas) by Hurricane Ike's storm surge in September 2008
