Who Controls the Weir Gates ?

[GAJ52]

Hi

As someone who's property flooded on the 3rd Jan 2003 when the Thames broke its banks at Wraysbury, I keep a close eye on the river levels downstream of Old Windsor Lock via the EA River Level web site. As of 10:00 on the 4th Jan it has risen 31 cm in the last 24 hours and still rising with more rain over the weekend.

Does anyone know how the EA controls the river through the Weirs during potential flooding situations. Is it left up to individual lock keepers or would they be controlled from a EA flood coordinator ?

Glen

 

[teddington_lock]

As per the river conditions website , most thames weirs are currently fully drawn ( OW being one of them ).

But in answer to your question , each lock keeper controls his / her own weir and follows the pulling order until no more gates remain to be opened.

River Control monitor the river and will call the lock staff out if needed ( during the night for example ) assuming there is more weir tackle to pull.

 

[GAJ52]

So from what you say if the weirs are now fully drawn, the EA does not have any further direct control of the river flow/levels and its now left up to the Gods if we flood again or not.

Thanks for the explanation.

 

[teddington_lock]

That's not what I said , please don't put words into my mouth.

 

[GAJ52]

I'm just trying to learn how the EA controls potential flooding on the Thames, my previous assumption was from a layman's point of view. If there is anything else the EA can do that will be great and hopefully alleviate my fears I'm within days of being flooded again.

 

[Gavi]

It is a bit of a roller coaster GAJ52 but we've got used to it. You have been there for over ten years? I am very impressed by the river management this year. We are quite near you and fully expect another 6+ inches, which will completely cover our land and mean we need waders to get off the island. Cat litter trays are ready, fire fuel is stocked, boats are as secure as we can make them, neighbours are ok, and a case of beer is ready. All part of river life and I find it quite thrilling.

 

[GAJ52]

I have to agree the EA have done a magnificent job in the past, I don't think they get the credit they deserve. Last year on the 28th Dec 2012 the river reached 4.69m and was pretty close to breaching the bank where I live, on that day I saw 4 EA vehicles driving up and down my road, not sure what they were doing but I new the EA were keeping a close eye on things.

To keep things in perspective we have only flooded once since 1949 and that was strangely just after the Jubilee River opened, the flood was 3rd Jan 2003 - but that's an on-going local story.

Glen

 

[rotrax]

It is sobering to take a look at the high water marks on the outside wall of St. Helens Church at Abingdon.

The highest mark-IIRC-was back in the 1800's, the next one 1949.

Both far higher than we have seen for many many years.

The EA are obviously doing the best they can.