francene--blog. Year 2013
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Dec 6th

12/6/2013

 
A major storm has hit northern Europe during the last two days, leaving at least three people dead, causing transport chaos and threatening the biggest tidal surge in decades.

Already, a lorry driver was killed when his vehicle was blown over in Scotland, while a man died when he was hit by a falling tree in England. Britain's Environment Agency said tidal surges could bring significant coastal flooding. The Thames Barrier was being closed to protect London.  Thousands of households along vulnerable coasts have been evacuated as seawater floods coastal areas of eastern England and North Wales.

In Denmark, a woman died after a lorry turned over in high winds. The Oeresund road and rail bridge between Sweden and Denmark - which links the Danish capital Copenhagen with the Swedish city of Malmo and features in the hit television series The Bridge - was due to close from 1500 GMT.

In the low-lying Netherlands, the Eastern Scheldt storm surge barrier has been closed off for the first time in six years. Dutch authorities said they had issued the highest possible flood warning for four areas in the north and north-west of the country.

In Germany, the port of Hamburg is bracing for a direct hit and a massive tidal surge. There are fears it could be as powerful as the flood that killed more than 300 people in the city in 1962.

The news of these very real events is terrifying to those people who live close by. Fortunately, I live safe inland on higher ground. The weather's changes have caused meteorologists worry for some time now. Environmentalists around the world have predicted that the scenario will worsen unless mankind changes their way. Unfortunately, this is a slow process during which world representatives work to hash out sanctions.

As an author of fiction, I feel somewhat burdened, embroiled and culpable, not only with the title of my second book, Tidal Surge, which is set in the present day, but by publishing the Higher Ground Series. The futuristic novels, set after the Great Flood, follow the lives of a group of characters. Mankind has been swept backwards to live a more-or-less primitive life with only memories, broken articles poking above the soil, and ruined cities hinting at the past. Four books tell of adventure--Wind Over Troubles Waters, Knights in Dark Leather, Golden Submarine, and Long Doom Calling. You can see the covers on the sidebar and click on them to link to the books. The heroine guides a group of followers from Saint Eyes (St. Ives) to Long Doom (London) to find an ancient ring in the hope of setting Britland on the right track.

I believe in a Universal Consciousness into which highly-tuned people can gain access. This explains why inventors, artists and scientists can discover the same idea simultaneously. Perhaps my writing partner and I captured thoughts about the future of mankind. I hope we're wrong.

Anita Levesque link
12/5/2013 09:42:39 pm

I am not sure if these catastrophes are happening or if this is in your new book. I never listen to the news but if this is happening how sad for those people. If this is part of your book, wow you had my attentions. Anita

Francene Stanley link
12/5/2013 09:46:31 pm

The first part of the blog features the latest news from Europe. I tie the real events to the novels.

Amy link
12/5/2013 09:59:07 pm

I'm so sorry to hear about this, Francene! Stay safe!!

Francene Stanley link
12/6/2013 02:48:54 am

Thanks, Amy.

kungphoo link
12/5/2013 09:59:59 pm

I have not heard of this happenings lately.. i watch the news everyday... But if they are be careful out there!

Francene Stanley link
12/6/2013 02:50:00 am

This just shows how unimportant the small island of Britain is in the world. Shocking really.

Edith Parzefall link
12/5/2013 10:23:32 pm

Yes, Francene, watching the news yesterday and following up this morning, I felt quite uneasy, too, although like you I live on higher grounds and quite far from the coast. Here it's been quite windy and now it's snowing very prettily.

Francene Stanley link
12/6/2013 02:51:05 am

Although there will be another surge tonight, the worst is expected to be over. Thank goodness.

Sophie Bowns link
12/5/2013 10:36:46 pm

It's really scary isn't it. My family are coming from the South of England to stay with us today. I hope they get here safely!

Francene Stanley link
12/6/2013 02:51:52 am

I hope the roads are clear for their drive.


Comments are closed.

    Author

    Francene Stanley, author of many published novels. If you like my writing, why not consider purchasing one of my books? You'll see them on the sidebar below.
    Born in Australia, I moved to Britain half way through my long life.

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