Weather warning: Thames Barrier closed as London braces for gale force winds and worst tidal surge in 30 years

 
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Robin de Peyer5 December 2013

The Thames Barrier has been closed to protect London from floods as the east coast braces for the biggest tidal surge for 30 years.

Forecasters have warned that gale force winds, large waves and high tides could cause chaos across the east of the UK.

They said sea levels could reach the heights seen during the devastating floods of 1953 - but insisted London's Thames estuary defences mean the capital is well shielded. The 1953 floods left 307 people dead and 40,000 homeless.

David Cameron said the Environment Secretary is chairing a meeting of the Government's emergency Cobra committee this morning to discuss the response to the storm.

Shepherd's warning: a spectacular sunrise could be seen over the Thames this morning. (Picture: @TowerRNLI/Twitter)

In a message on Twitter the Prime Minister said: "I've asked Environment Secretary Owen Paterson to chair a Cobra this morning on the storm disruption - ensuring everything is being done."

Gale force winds are already battering much of northern England and Scotland, with gusts of up to 142mph recorded in some areas. A lorry driver was killed in Scotland, where around 20,000 homes are without power.

The storm is expected to move south during the course of the day and tonight.

An estimated 30,000 properties could be flooded as a result of the tidal surge, the Environment Agency warned.

"We will be closing the Thames Barrier on Thursday night to defend London," a spokesman said.

"The Environment Agency is monitoring the situation closely, working alongside partners including the emergency services, Met Office and local authorities. Teams are out on the ground checking that flood defences and barriers are in good working order, monitoring sea levels and issuing flood warnings."

Severe flood warnings - the highest category, warning of danger to life - were issued for large areas of East Anglia as high tides and strong winds threatened to swamp the coastline.

The Environment Agency issued 25 severe flood alerts for the region and another in Sandwich, Kent, as gale-force winds threaten to whip up the most serious tidal surge for 30 years.

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