Barrier saves London from 'flood chaos'

This Environment Agency picture shows the effects that the largest tidal surge in 60 years would have had on London if the Thames Barrier hadn't been closed.

Thousands of people were evacuated from their homes down the east coast of the country during storms last week.

But the 520 metre barrier saved London from the worst effects when it was shut on Thursday and Friday.

The latest flood warning from the Environment Agency shows the nearest advice to London. The Thames Barrier is being closed tonight with the strongest tidal surge in 60 years predicted.

Gravesend, Denton and Greenhithe

High tides will flood properties in this Flood Warning Area. High spring tides, combined with a prolonged surge, mean that water levels are forecast to be very high. This poses a serious risk for both high tides on Friday.

Forecast wind speeds are northwesterly force 4 to 7. Water levels may be dangerously high before the predicted astronomical tidal peak. This is because the surge is raising water levels before the peak of the astronomical tide.

Source: Environment Agency

Get a full weather forecast from Martin Stew here

This is the latest flood map for London and the South East from the Environment Agency, which is warning of the biggest tidal storm surge since the major floods of 1953.

Gales, strong winds, high tides & severe flood warning: Latest weather forecast here

What do the Environment Agency flood warnings mean? Find out here

The Environment Agency has confirmed that the tidal storm surge is the worst since the major floods of 1953.

This is the latest advice from the Environment Agency, which has significantly increased warnings for London and the South East today:

The coastline from Wells-next-the-Sea in Norfolk to Clacton, Essex, is particularly at risk, including Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft. Parts of Great Yarmouth are being evacuated.

Severe flood warnings are currently in place across Kent.

Some defences could be overtopped by the combined effect of high tides, high winds and a large tidal surge.

In some areas, sea levels could be higher than those during the devastating floods of 1953. However, flood defences built since then - including the Thames and Hull Barriers - mean that many parts of the country are much better protected than in 1953.

Source: Environment Agency

As a tidal storm surge causes sea levels to rise, the Met Office are advising us to stay away from coast to avoid being swept out to sea.

Read: What the Environment Agency flood warnings mean

Read: Thames Estuary flood warning increased to most severe

• Flood Alert: Means flooding is possible. Prepare a flood kit. Monitor water levels and forecast
• Flood Warning: Means flooding is expected. Fit protection equipment. Move family, pets and valuables to safety

• Severe Flood Warning: Danger to life. Stay safe. Be ready to evacuate. Call 999 if in immediate danger

Looks like the Environment Agency are about to up their flood warning to the most severe for the Thames Estuary. A serious risk to life and the potential some areas could be evacuated as the tidal storm surge rises tonight and tomorrow.