This is the devastation that floodwater could have wreaked through London in the worst tidal surge for 60 years.
But the Thames Barrier saved huge swathes of London from being submerged under floodwater, when thousands of homes across the country were hit by the floods last week.
The image shows how Greenwich, including the O2 arena, parts of Blackheath, the Naval College Gardens and West Ham's Upton Park ground would have been under threat from floodwaters.
How London could have looked without the Thames Barrier
The Environment Agency's chief executive, Dr Paul Leinster, said: "We estimate that at least 800,000 homes and businesses have been protected by flood schemes in the past 24 hours.
"Flood risk management assets, including the Thames and Hull Barriers, have protected thousands of homes and businesses from sea levels higher in some places than those that occurred during the devastating floods of 1953."
The Environment Agency said 1,400 homes were flooded in the UK, including 300 in Boston, Lincolnshire, alone.
In Suffolk, police said there was no further threat from coastal flooding but local authorities warned that people shouldtake precautions around floodwater.
UK Weather Heavy Winds
UK Hit By Severe Winds As Storm Surges Threaten Coastal Regions(01 of67)
BOSTON, UNITED KINGDOM - DECEMBER 05: A resident sits on the stairs of an appartment deep in flood water on December 5, 2013 in Boston, England. Parts of the United Kingdom are being affected by storm conditions and surge tides. (Photo by Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
UK Hit By Severe Winds As Storm Surges Threaten Coastal Regions(02 of67)
BOSTON, UNITED KINGDOM - DECEMBER 05: A rescue team wade through flood water in The High Street on December 5, 2013 in Boston, England. Parts of the United Kingdom are being affected by storm conditions and surge tides. (Photo by Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
BELGIUM-EUROPE-WEATHER-STORM(03 of67)
Belgian firefighters remove a tree that fell on the E429 / N203a highway in Halle as storm Xaver approached Belgium on December 5, 2013. A fierce storm battered northern Europe with hurricane force winds, leaving four people dead or missing, disrupting travel and forcing thousands to flee their homes over fears of the worst tidal surge in decades. AFP PHOTO/BELGA/SISKA GREMMELPREZ == BELGIUM OUT == (Photo credit should read SISKA GREMMELPREZ/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
UK Hit By Severe Winds As Storm Surges Threaten Coastal Regions(04 of67)
BOSTON, UNITED KINGDOM - DECEMBER 05: A rescue team pulls a boat with an evacuee on board through flood water in The High Street on December 5, 2013 in Boston, England. Parts of the United Kingdom are being affected by storm conditions and surge tides. (Photo by Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
UK Hit By Severe Winds As Storm Surges Threaten Coastal Regions(05 of67)
RHYL, UNITED KINGDOM - DECEMBER 05: RNLI rescue personnell work through the night searching flooded properties for people not already evacuated as emergency services prepare for the next high tide on December 5, 2013 in Rhyl, United Kingdom. Storms across Britain has resulted in two deaths and the evacuation of thousand of people. High winds and high tides caused by low atmospheric pressure has created flooding in many coastal towns. Emergency services are monitoring coastal defences as the next high tide are due in the early hours of Friday. (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
UK Hit By Severe Winds As Storm Surges Threaten Coastal Regions(06 of67)
RHYL, UNITED KINGDOM - DECEMBER 05: RNLI rescue personnell work through the night searching flooded properties for people not already evacuated as emergency services prepare for the next high tide on December 5, 2013 in Rhyl, United Kingdom. Storms across Britain has resulted in two deaths and the evacuation of thousand of people. High winds and high tides caused by low atmospheric pressure has created flooding in many coastal towns. Emergency services are monitoring coastal defences as the next high tide are due in the early hours of Friday. (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
UK Hit By Severe Winds As Storm Surges Threaten Coastal Regions(07 of67)
RHYL, UNITED KINGDOM - DECEMBER 05: RNLI rescue personnell work through the night searching flooded properties for people not already evacuated as emergency services prepare for the next high tide on December 5, 2013 in Rhyl, United Kingdom. Storms across Britain has resulted in two deaths and the evacuation of thousand of people. High winds and high tides caused by low atmospheric pressure has created flooding in many coastal towns. Emergency services are monitoring coastal defences as the next high tide are due in the early hours of Friday. (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
UK Hit By Severe Winds As Storm Surges Threaten Coastal Regions(08 of67)
RHYL, UNITED KINGDOM - DECEMBER 05: Cars sit in a flooded street as emergency services prepare for the next high tide on December 5, 2013 in Rhyl, United Kingdom. Storms across Britain has resulted in two deaths and the evacuation of thousand of people. High winds and high tides caused by low atmospheric pressure has created flooding in many coastal towns. Emergency services are monitoring coastal defences as the next high tide are due in the early hours of Friday. (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
UK Hit By High Winds(09 of67)
SANDSEND, UNITED KINGDOM - DECEMBER 05: A police van blocks the road as strong tidal surges come over the sea wall on December 5, 2013 in Sandsend, United Kingdom. Strong winds and big tides are expected to cause coastal flooding along many of the east coast of England. (Photo by Ian Forsyth/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
UK Hit By High Winds(10 of67)
WHITBY, UNITED KINGDOM - DECEMBER 05: Firefighters in Whitby pump out flood water from business premises following severe flooding in the Yorkshire town on December 5, 2013 in Whitby, United Kingdom. Strong winds and big tides are expected to cause coastal flooding along many of the east coast of England. (Photo by Ian Forsyth/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
UK Hit By Severe Winds As Storm Surges Threaten Coastal Regions(11 of67)
BOSTON, UNITED KINGDOM - DECEMBER 05: A rescue team helps an evacuee from a boat after pulling it through flood waters in The High Street on December 5, 2013 in Boston, England. Parts of the United Kingdom are being affected by storm conditions and surge tides. (Photo by Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
UK Hit By High Winds(12 of67)
WHITBY, UNITED KINGDOM - DECEMBER 05: Firefighters in Whitby pump out flood water from business premises following severe flooding in the Yorkshire town on December 5, 2013 in Whitby, United Kingdom. Strong winds and big tides are expected to cause coastal flooding along many of the east coast of England. (Photo by Ian Forsyth/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
UK Hit By High Winds(13 of67)
WHITBY, UNITED KINGDOM - DECEMBER 05: A member of staff in a pub in Whitby tries to clean up flood water from the bar following a strong tidal surge on December 5, 2013 in Whitby, United Kingdom. Strong winds and big tides are expected to cause coastal flooding along many of the east coast of England. (Photo by Ian Forsyth/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
UK Hit By High Winds(14 of67)
WHITBY, UNITED KINGDOM - DECEMBER 05: A member of staff in a pub in Whitby tries to clean out flood water from the bar after a strong tidal surge caused severe flooding on December 5, 2013 in Whitby, United Kingdom. Strong winds and big tides are expected to cause coastal flooding along many of the east coast of England. (Photo by Ian Forsyth/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
UK Hit By High Winds(15 of67)
WHITBY, UNITED KINGDOM - DECEMBER 05: Firefighters in Whitby pump out flood water from business premises following severe flooding in the Yorkshire town on December 5, 2013 in Whitby, United Kingdom. Strong winds and big tides are expected to cause coastal flooding along many of the east coast of England. (Photo by Ian Forsyth/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
UK Hit By High Winds(16 of67)
SANDSEND, UNITED KINGDOM - DECEMBER 05: A Coastguard vehicle blocks the road as strong tidal surges come over the sea wall on December 5, 2013 in Sandsend, United Kingdom. Strong winds and big tides are expected to cause coastal flooding along many of the east coast of England. (Photo by Ian Forsyth/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
UK Hit By Severe Winds As Storm Surges Threaten Coastal Regions(17 of67)
GREAT YARMOUTH, ENGLAND, DECEMBER 05: Water breaches the sea wall on the promenade on December 5, 2013 in Great Yarmouth, England. Thousands of people are being evacuated from their homes, the Environment Agency has given 42 severe floods warnings as a storm serge hits large parts of the UK. (Photo by Stephen Pond/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
UK Hit By Severe Winds As Storm Surges Threaten Coastal Regions(18 of67)
GREAT YARMOUTH, ENGLAND, DECEMBER 05: A local resident looks on as water breaches the sea wall on the promenade on December 5, 2013 in Great Yarmouth, England. Thousands of people are being evacuated from their homes, the Environment Agency has given 42 severe floods warnings as a storm serge hits large parts of the UK. (Photo by Stephen Pond/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
UK Hit By Severe Winds As Storm Surges Threaten Coastal Regions(19 of67)
GREAT YARMOUTH, ENGLAND, DECEMBER 05: Local residents fill sandbags through the night as high tide approaches on December 5, 2013 in Great Yarmouth, England. Thousands of people are being evacuated from their homes, the Environment Agency has given 42 severe floods warnings as a storm serge hits large parts of the UK. (Photo by Stephen Pond/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
UK Hit By High Winds(20 of67)
SANDSEND, UNITED KINGDOM - DECEMBER 05: A member of the Coastguard helps to close the coast road in Sandsend as strong tidal surges come over the sea wall on December 5, 2013 in Sandsend, United Kingdom. Strong winds and big tides are expected to cause coastal flooding along many of the east coast of England. (Photo by Ian Forsyth/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Autumn weather Dec 6th(21 of67)
Cromer Pier this morning after the worst tidal surge for more than 60 years hit coastal towns along the east coast of Britain. (credit:PA)
Autumn weather Dec 6th(22 of67)
Cromer Pier this morning after the worst tidal surge for more than 60 years hit coastal towns along the east coast of Britain. (credit:PA)
Autumn weather Dec 5th(23 of67)
Firefighters doing house to house checks in Blakeney, Norfolk, after a tidal surge hit tonight. (credit:PA)
Autumn weather Dec 5th(24 of67)
Firefighters doing house to house checks in Blakeney, Norfolk, after a tidal surge hit tonight. (credit:PA)
Autumn weather Dec 5th(25 of67)
Firefighters doing house to house checks in Blakeney, Norfolk, after a tidal surge hit tonight. (credit:PA)
Autumn weather Dec 5th(26 of67)
High winds and sea batter the North Antrim coast at Portstewart, in Co Antrim. Thousands of homes are still without power in Northern Ireland after gale force winds ripped down trees, power lines and electricity poles. Gusts of up to 70mph which swept in from the Atlantic have left parts of the north, east and exposed rural areas facing major blackouts. (credit:PA)
Autumn weather Dec 5th(27 of67)
People are rescued by the RNLI from the floods in Rhyl as heavy seas and high tides sweep across the country. (credit:PA)
Autumn weather Dec 5th(28 of67)
A woman stands in the flood water in Rhyl as heavy seas and high tides sweep across the country. (credit:PA)
Autumn weather Dec 5th(29 of67)
People are rescued by the RNLI from the floods in Rhyl as heavy seas and high tides sweep across the country. (credit:PA)
Autumn weather Dec 5th(30 of67)
People are rescued by the RNLI from the floods in Rhyl as heavy seas and high tides sweep across the country. (credit:PA)
Autumn weather Dec 5th(31 of67)
People are rescued by the RNLI from the floods in Rhyl as heavy seas and high tides sweep across the country. (credit:PA)
Autumn weather Dec 5th(32 of67)
People are rescued by the RNLI from the floods in Rhyl as heavy seas and high tides sweep across the country. (credit:PA)
Autumn weather Dec 5th(33 of67)
People are rescued by the RNLI from the floods in Rhyl as heavy seas and high tides sweep across the country. (credit:PA)
Autumn weather Dec 5th(34 of67)
Police at the scene where a lorry driver has died as his HGV toppled on to a number of cars on the A801 in West Lothian as the gale-force winds brought widespread disruption to the transport network. (credit:PA)
Autumn weather Dec 5th(35 of67)
Police at the scene where a lorry driver has died as his HGV toppled on to a number of cars on the A801 in West Lothian as the gale-force winds brought widespread disruption to the transport network. (credit:PA)
Autumn weather Dec 5th(36 of67)
Police at the scene where a lorry driver has died as his HGV toppled on to a number of cars on the A801 in West Lothian as the gale-force winds brought widespread disruption to the transport network. (credit:PA)
Autumn weather Dec 5th(37 of67)
A man stands in front of a huge wave on the seafront in Rhyl as heavy seas and high tides sweep across the country. (credit:PA)
Autumn weather Dec 5th(38 of67)
A woman stands in front of a huge wave on the seafront in Rhyl as heavy seas and high tides sweep across the country. (credit:PA)
Autumn weather Dec 5th(39 of67)
People walk a dog along the seafront in Rhyl passing huge waves as heavy seas and high tides sweep across the country. (credit:PA)
Autumn weather Dec 5th(40 of67)
People walk a dog along the seafront in Rhyl passing huge waves as heavy seas and high tides sweep across the country. (credit:PA)
Autumn weather Dec 5th(41 of67)
People stop and look at a huge wave as they walk a dog along the seafront in Rhyl as heavy seas and high tides sweep across the country. (credit:PA)
Autumn weather Dec 5th(43 of67)
High winds and sea batter the Antrim coast road in Co Antrim. Thousands of homes are still without power in Northern Ireland after gale force winds ripped down trees, power lines and electricity poles. Gusts of up to 70mph which swept in from the Atlantic have left parts of the north, east and exposed rural areas facing major blackouts. (credit:PA)
Autumn weather Dec 5th(44 of67)
A driver has a lucky escape after suffering only minor injuries as a tree fell on her car in Solihull, Birmingham. Forecasters predict winds of up to 80mph will batter the UK over the coming days. (credit:PA)
Autumn weather Dec 5th(45 of67)
Workers clear up debris after a tree fell in high winds, landing on a passing car in Solihull, Birmingham. Forecasters predict winds of up to 80mph will batter the UK over the coming days. (credit:PA)
Autumn weather Dec 5th(46 of67)
A driver has a lucky escape after suffering only minor injuries as a tree fell on her car in Solihull, Birmingham. Forecasters predict winds of up to 80mph will batter the UK over the coming days. (credit:PA)
Autumn weather Dec 5th(47 of67)
Workers clear up debris after a tree fell in high winds, landing on a passing car in Solihull, Birmingham. Forecasters predict winds of up to 80mph will batter the UK over the coming days. (credit:PA)
Autumn weather Dec 5th(48 of67)
Workers clear up debris after a tree fell in high winds, landing on a passing car in Solihull, Birmingham. Forecasters predict winds of up to 80mph will batter the UK over the coming days. (credit:PA)
Autumn weather Dec 5th(49 of67)
Workers clear up debris after a tree fell in high winds, landing on a passing car in Solihull, Birmingham. Forecasters predict winds of up to 80mph will batter the UK over the coming days. (credit:PA)
Autumn weather Dec 5th(50 of67)
A driver has a lucky escape after suffering only minor injuries as a tree fell on her car in Solihull, Birmingham. Forecasters predict winds of up to 80mph will batter the UK over the coming days. (credit:PA)
Autumn weather Dec 5th(51 of67)
A driver has a lucky escape after suffering only minor injuries as a tree fell on her car in Solihull, Birmingham. Forecasters predict winds of up to 80mph will batter the UK over the coming days. (credit:PA)
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People walk along the rough North Sea in Dagebuell, northern Germany, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2013. Weather forecasters predicted winds gusting up to 87 miles (140 kilometers) per hour on Germany's North Sea coast. (AP Photo/dpa, Carsten Rehder) (credit:AP)
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Waves batter the coast in List on the island of Sylt, northern Germany, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2013. Weather forecasters predicted winds gusting up to 87 miles (140 kilometers) per hour on Germany's North Sea coast. (AP Photo/dpa, Axel Heimken) (credit:AP)
Autumn weather Dec 5th(54 of67)
A driver has a lucky escape after suffering only minor injuries as a tree fell on her car in Solihull, Birmingham. Forecasters predict winds of up to 80mph will batter the UK over the coming days. (credit:PA)
Autumn weather Dec 5th(55 of67)
A driver has a lucky escape after suffering only minor injuries as a tree fell on her car in Solihull, Birmingham. Forecasters predict winds of up to 80mph will batter the UK over the coming days. (credit:PA)
Autumn weather Dec 5th(56 of67)
Workers clear up debris after a tree fell in high winds, landing on a passing car in Solihull, Birmingham. Forecasters predict winds of up to 80mph will batter the UK over the coming days. (credit:PA)
Autumn weather Dec 5th(57 of67)
The Forth Road Bridge is closed as Scotland gets battered by strong winds. (credit:PA)
Autumn weather Dec 5th(58 of67)
A tree lands on a car in Davidsons Mains, Edinburgh after Scotland is hit by strong winds. (credit:PA)
Autumn weather Dec 5th(59 of67)
An overturned lorry on the M6 by Junction 40 as strong winds batter the UK. (credit:PA)
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Picture by Mark Orshansky
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Picture By Network Rail Scot @NetworkRailSCOT
Autumn weather Dec 5th(62 of67)
High winds and sea batter the Antrim coast road in Co Antrim. Thousands of homes are still without power in Northern Ireland after gale force winds ripped down trees, power lines and electricity poles. Gusts of up to 70mph which swept in from the Atlantic have left parts of the north, east and exposed rural areas facing major blackouts. (credit:PA)
Autumn weather Dec 5th(63 of67)
High winds and sea batter the Antrim coast road in Co Antrim. Thousands of homes are still without power in Northern Ireland after gale force winds ripped down trees, power lines and electricity poles. Gusts of up to 70mph which swept in from the Atlantic have left parts of the north, east and exposed rural areas facing major blackouts. (credit:PA)
Autumn weather Dec 5th(64 of67)
A tree lands on a car in Davidsons Mains, Edinburgh after Scotland is hit by strong winds. (credit:PA)
Autumn weather Dec 5th(65 of67)
A tree lands on a car in Davidsons Mains, Edinburgh after Scotland is hit by strong winds. (credit:PA)
Autumn weather Dec 5th(66 of67)
A tree lands on a car in Davidsons Mains, Edinburgh after Scotland is hit by strong winds. (credit:PA)
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Network Rail Scot @NetworkRailSCOT