Thames Barrier closed after river overflows in Greenwich and water nears pavement level in some areas of central London

This article is more than 4 years old

This article is more than 4 years old

Flood alerts have been issued across London after the river Thames overflowed its banks and the Thames Barrier was closed for the first time this winter.

UK's winter floods create 30,000 tonnes of landfill waste Read more

The Environment Agency issued alerts for a vast stretch of the river, from the flood defence in Greenwich, south-east London, to Putney, in the south-west of the city.

The river overflowed on to flood plains in Greenwich, and levels were high in suburban areas as well as at the Embankment in central London.

Field House Garden (@fieldhousegrdn) High Tide on Chiswick Mall this afternoon @AlanBarrierEA pic.twitter.com/szNcmPotud

MPSonthewater (@MPSonthewater) Here's a shot of the Embankment taken just now pic.twitter.com/Tp02yPhIj6

Water levels were almost as high as the pavement in some central areas. The flood alerts for Friday covered areas including Custom House in Newham, Narrow Street in Limehouse, the Royal Naval College riverfront at Greenwich, and Bankside near the Tate Modern.

The agency said tide levels were falling but it expected flows to remain high for the next three days.

Alan (@AlanBarrierEA) Flood Alerts remain in force for the #Thames as high tides continue for next couple of days https://t.co/2EGV3sq76c pic.twitter.com/fAtzNWZYVw

The Thames barrier, spanning 520 metres across the river, has been closed 176 times in its 34-year history. It is closed under storm surge conditions to protect London from flooding from the sea, and may also be closed to reduce the risk of river flooding in some areas of west London, including Richmond and Twickenham.

Across England and Wales there are 27 flood warnings in place, requiring immediate action, and 77 flood alerts, calling for the public to be prepared for possible flooding.