FLOOD

A storm surge travels between the United Kingdom and mainland Europe, raising sea levels and coinciding with the spring tide. Several parts of Scotland are devastated, including Wick. The Met Office's head forecaster, Keith Hopkins, mistakenly believes the storm will head towards the Netherlands and is guilt-ridden by Deputy Prime Minister Campbell when he critiques the failed forecasts. Professor Leonard Morrison proves that the approaching surge of water will break through the Thames Barrier and flood London in the next three hours. Leonard had focused his life around the belief that the barrier was built in the wrong area, and turned his son Rob (grieving from the death of his mother) into a bitter man. However, upon learning his father's obsession turned out to be truthful, Rob apologises. Deputy Prime Minister Campbell, in charge while the Prime Minister is away, declares a state of emergency. He begins to evacuate over one million people from Central London before the water surge hits. He is assisted by Police Commissioner Patricia Nash, Major General Ashcroft and a guilt-stricken Hopkins. The Thames barrier is raised, but the tsunami arrives and overwhelms the barrier. It sweeps into the city, destroying everything in its path. Rob and his ex-wife Sam, both expert engineers, jump into the Thames to escape. Leonard is saved by a military helicopter and taken to Whitehall, where the authority figures desperately require his assistance to handle the disaster.