Apres moi le Deluge
Highgrove is braced for an almost Biblical Deluge over the next 24 hours, just in time for Camilla’s 60th birthday party tomorrow evening.
The forecast is warning of two month’s rainfall in 24 hours for southern England — that’s 4 inches emptying onto already sodden ground. The Cotwolds in Gloucestershire, where Highgrove is located, has been particularly singled out for flood warnings. The roads “will be a nightmare” says the Met Office.
It seems we are getting masses of wet air from France where the heat is lifting moisture from the soggy countryside. Either that, or it’s Diana’s revenge.
Grave flood warnings are in place for the whole of southern England and the Midlands, where flood will be piled on flood. Pity those poor blighters around the Severn Estuary and River, and further east to Hull and up to York.
Most of us are starting to batten down the hatches for The Deluge, and an indoor weekend. Already the swallows are flying at rooftop level signifying low pressure.
It might be wise to re-schedule the party, methinks.
Update: The BBC is reporting that hundreds are stranded at Gloucester railway station and many rail lines are flooded.
We have been getting torrential downfalls here, too, John. This is remarkable weather for our area, since we would normally be approaching drought conditions by this point in our summer. There has been flashflooding and evactuations in areas not far from us, but so far we are in no danger, as we are located at the top of a high ridge. I hope all of you can get to high ground and stay safe!
By Gigi on July 20th, 2007 at 4:25 pm
Thanks, Gigi. So far we’ve avoided it here in the Exeter area. In fact, the sun is out as I type. But the area around Highgrove is taking a real beating. The new forecast is a bit better for tomorrow evening, so hopefully Camilla’s party will go ahead without Biblical retribution.
By John on July 20th, 2007 at 4:39 pm
I know it is not what was planned, but Highgrove is on a sufficient scale that they could move the party indoors, isn’t that correct? Or is the issue access since the roads are flooded?
By Gigi on July 20th, 2007 at 5:37 pm
I would imagine the issue would be assess due to roads being flooded. I wonder if the party will go on if many of the people may not be able to make it?
By On The Outside on July 20th, 2007 at 10:20 pm
My guess is that the guests will get to Highgrove if they have to grow webbed feet, gills and swim upstream! An invitation to an event hosted by a senior member of the Royal Family is an honor no one in his right mind takes lightly.
By Gigi on July 20th, 2007 at 11:58 pm
OH dear blame Diana for sweet revenge and Fawcett running around whining Oh my how can I pull this off it is in ruins and Cams Singing “IT’S MY PARTY AND I’LL CRY IF I WANT TO” While Charles throws around crockery.
By Trudie on July 21st, 2007 at 1:09 am
LOL Trudie you are absolutely hilarious!
By Gigi on July 21st, 2007 at 2:30 am
Trudie, you’re a legend.
My information is that rail links remain cut, so many roads will also be impassable. The problem for guests is that they may just get in, but what if they can’t get out?
It could be like one of those Agatha Christie books where a number of people are trapped in a country house, and one by one they meet with a sticky end.
By John on July 21st, 2007 at 8:32 am
I loved that book! It was made into a movie which was called called “Ten Little Indians” but I think the name of the book was “And Then There Were None.” I have watched it every time it was on television!
Wilfrid Hyde White was wonderful in his role.
By Gigi on July 21st, 2007 at 3:29 pm
I think the original title of the book was “Ten Little N*g*ers”, which shows up the differences with today.
By John on July 21st, 2007 at 3:33 pm
Thank Heavens those dreadful times are gone, forever and for better, John! Regarding the rains, the more I think about this absolute deluge that has hit Gloucestershire, I doubt that Princess Diana has taken any revenge to cause it. Rather, I am convinced that the flood waters are a result of Queen Victoria sending a calculated and catastrophic warning to Charles and Camilla. If anyone could throw a thunderbolt from Paradise, it would be Queen Victoria.
By Gigi on July 21st, 2007 at 8:26 pm
Alternatively, Gigi, it could be Napoleon’s revenge. It’s just the sort of thing the little blighter would get up to. And just when we’re not expecting it in the middle of July.
By John on July 22nd, 2007 at 9:47 am
I am pretty sure Napoleon is residing someplace extremely hot, so I would doubt that he has the power to send messages through natural disasters.
He wasn’t effective at managing nature when he was alive, either, especially in the retreat from the Russian front. Whomever we have offended in Heaven, we need to make amends, quickly, before we are up to our necks in H2O! Also, we have Eliza’s sister’s wedding approaching, and time is short. Each of us needs to walk outside and loudly say something quite flattering about Mother Nature, in case she is behind this deluge. I admit, this is a shameless manipulation, but desperate situations require desperate remedies. 
By Gigi on July 22nd, 2007 at 3:46 pm