"The exact timing of a potential towing activity will depend on weather, tides and operational readiness, " Churchfield told reporters in a news conference.
Heathrow Airport said it was fully operational but some disruption was expected because of weather conditions at other airports in the UK and across Europe.
Even when semi-autonomous driving capability is available on vehicles, the system will have operational limitations based on external factors such as weather and visibility of lane markings.
Deep Thunder couples high-resolution weather forecasts with business processes to enhance operational planning and facilitate efficient and effective decision making processes.
In a statement to the BBC, police said the search strategy is under review and that all new searches are subject to weather conditions, availability of resources and operational commitments.