Ice movement could lead to flooding along St. John River

• New Brunswick weather: More sun than cloud over next 5 days

The River Watch 2015 program said the warming temperatures this week are providing the ideal conditions to speed up the melting of the snow pack and to melt river ice in all regions of the province.

"River flows and levels are forecast to increase throughout the basin and there is a probability of ice movement along the St. John River, and other river systems, within the next two days," the province's EMO said in a statement.

"With ice movement there is the potential for ice jams to occur as well as associated flooding. People living in all regions should be prepared and should remain a safe distance away from waterways."

The ice jams are located near Gladwyn on the Tobique River and on the St. John River, near St. Francis, Me.

But emergency officials are watching ice movement and water levels throughout New Brunswick.

There is ice movement in several smaller rivers and tributaries and in the St. John River below NB Power's Mactaquac hydro dam.

Officials are warning people living along the Nashwaak River that water levels have reached 20.1 metres. Localized flood may happen with increased water flow, ice movement and the potential for ice jams.

Water levels around Woodstock have also received the provincial government's watch criteria, which means localized flooding is a possibility

Water levels in Fredericton and down river are expected to rise over the next two days, however, these rivers are expected to remain below the EMO's advisory levels.

There is also a flood watch in the Nerepis River because of rising water levels.