Information on a surge tide is received from weather satellites, oil rigs, weather ships and coastal stations. Dangerous conditions can be forecast up to 36 hours in advance, and a closure will take place just after low tide, or about four hours before the peak of the incoming surge tide reaches the barrier.
For maintenance and test purposes the barrier is operated every month. Once a year we test the barrier at a high spring tide (normally September to October). The closure and reopening of the gates may commence up to an hour before the times listed. Very occasionally, closures may vary or be cancelled at short notice. Please telephone the day before to check (020 8305 4188).
Scheduled maintenance closures 2012
- Thursday 12 January 2012: 08.50 - 11.20
- Monday 13 February 2012: 10.05 - 12.35
- Monday 12 March 2012: 09.30 - 12.00
- Tuesday 10 April 2012: 10.05 - 12.35
Historical closures
As of November 2011, the Thames Barrier has now been closed 449 times, 119 of which have been to protect London from flooding since the barrier became operational in 1982. Of the closures, 78 were for tidal surge conditions and 41 were due to prevent rainfall/fluvial flooding. In addition to these, one closure was to assist with salvage work on the Marchioness and one for repair works following the Sand Kite incident. The other occasions were monthly closures, for experiments and tests.
Forecasting closures
How the Thames Barrier works
Look inside the Thames Barrier
Thames aerial view
Other tidal defences
