The Thames Barrier was closed on Sunday evening over fears of possible flooding during the week.

The closure marked the 185th time the moveable flood defence had been used to protect London from potential flooding.

While the barrier reopened on Monday morning, authorities warned that it could be used again imminently in the week ahead.

On Monday, the barrier's official spokesperson highlighted Environment Agency (EA) warnings about potential flooding in the week starting September 30:

"The #ThamesBarrier had reopened following the Flood Defence Closure overnight.

"Another closure is possible in the next few days, and Flood Alerts will be issued for high tides that don't meet closure criteria," they said on Twitter.

The Thames Barrier is one of the largest movable flood barriers in the world, and became operational in 1982.

The state-run EA runs and maintains the Thames Barrier as it does with most of London’s other flood defences.

Flood warnings were also in place on Monday "from Dartford to Allhallows" for the week ahead due to "higher than normal tides" being expected by the EA.

"Flooding is possible — be prepared. This has been issued due to the high tide forecast for early Monday Morning.

"There is a possibility of flooding for low lying land and areas nearest the coast from Dartford to Allhallows on the Isle of Grain.

"We are expecting higher than normal tides over the next 4 days and we will be issuing further messages during this time," an EA spokesperson said around 3.30am on Monday.

For a full list and map of EA flood warnings currently in place, go to: https://flood-warning-information.service.gov.uk/warnings