Experts warn of London flood risk

The Thames Barrier was completed in October 1982

Experts have warned that climate change will put London more at risk from flooding in the future.

The Met Office prediction comes 25 years after the Thames Barrier was first raised to protect the city.

Scientists said London will face more "severe weather events" and more torrential rain, in the next 25 years.

The barrier was conceived after the 1953 floods and protects against North Sea tidal surges and high tides when the river is swollen by heavy rainfall.

Effective planning

The Met Office is currently providing advice to the Environment Agency on the potential impact of climate change in the South East.

This information will be used to consider flood risk management strategies for the Thames Estuary up to 2100.

Phil Evans, chief advisor to government at the Met Office, said: "Given a rise in sea level and warmer temperatures in the UK we can expect more severe weather events in the future than back then.

"Making the most of the climate change expertise we have in the UK provides us with an unparalleled opportunity to plan effectively for the future."