St. John River to remain at 8.2 metres in Fredericton today, says EMO director

The director of the New Brunswick Emergency Measures Organization says the water level on theSt. John River in Fredericton shouldremain at 8.2 metres over the next 48 hours, barring any major weather event.

Greg MacCallum says the two-day forecast for the St. John River showsthe water level will remain at that height but water levels inlow-lying areas in the capital region, likeMaugervilleandJemseg, will rise.

The water levelis currently 1.7 metres above the flood level.

Earlier on Saturday,Fredericton's director of emergency measures Wayne Tallonpredictedwater levels could reach 8.3 or 8.4 metres sometime on Saturday.

But MacCallum said it is hard to be exact about the numbers, adding a level of 8.4 metres was not forecast.

The last time Fredericton saw water levels that high was during a previous major flood in 2008.

Many city streets are closed as a result of the flooding.

Water levels increase

The water level inMaugervilleis expected to rise to 6.44 metres today and reach 6.7 by Monday. The flood level in that community is 6 metres.

In Jemseg, where the flood level is 4.3 metres, water levels are nowat 4.55 metres and are forecast to rise to 5.5 metres over the next three days.

Sheffield and Lakeville Corner can expect water levels to rise to 5.4 metres, according to the forecast.

The Oromocto Fire Department has said due to the dangerous water conditions, it will not escort residents into the affected areas.

"We will continue to remove residents from their houses. Travel below the Burton bridge is limited to[vehicles] 3/4 tons or larger," it said in a release.

The department says travel in the areas is extremely dangerous and should be limited to essential travel only.

AhmedDassouki,operations directorwith New Brunswick Transportation and Infrastructure, said there are 50 roads affected by the flooding. One ofthe worstisRoute 105 in theMaugervilleandJemsegarea.

Dassouki and MacCallum warned motorists to heed the barricades and not drive around them.

With rain in the forecast for the next week, people along the St. John River are watching the water levels closely after it rose overnight.

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EMO said Friday it expected the river to reach 8.3 metres before the end of the weekend.

Saturday's forecast calls for showers with a high of 17 C. Sunday's weather is expected to be the same. MacCallum said there is 15 to 20 mm of rain expected.

Adding to this is large quantities of snowmelting in areas further north.

"There is still a lot of snow up there and there is still a lot of water content in that snow," MacCallum said.

"This melt will continue and that's why you are seeing the levels that we have now and will probably endure another day or two days before we see any significant change."

Many homes are dealing with flooded basements.

Residents ofMcMinniman Court in Fredericton have been forced to leave their houses because of the flood.

Mark Belliveau, theRed Cross's deputy director of disaster management forAtlantic Canada, said 13 residences have been evacuated in the province so far andhe expects that number to increase.

Belliveau saidifanyone isdisplaced due to flooding and doesn't have access to temporary accommodations with family, friends or neighbours, they can call 1-800-863-6582 for help.

He also urged anyone who is going to leave to contact the Red Cross.

The Salvation Army Church on St. Mary's Street in Frederictonis open as a shelter for displaced city residents. People from outside the area can find the shelter at the University of New Brunswick at 20 BaileyDr.

Stay alert

EMO warns people to remain on alert over the next 48 hours.

That includes communities along the Maine border in northwestern New Brunswick that are expected to approach or surpass flood stageSaturday. They includeClair, St. Hilaire, Edmundston and St. Leonard.

Officials inEdmundstonsaid theriver levels, while high, are mostly stable or declining throughout Edmundstonwith the exception of the St. John River, which is on the rise, as expected.

Water levels on theMadawaska River remain stable for now butmay increase while the water level on Rivire--la-Truitehas stabilized and is declining.

The water level on the Iroquois River is also down, the municipality said.

Other areas also on flood watch includeHartland and some southern communities, such as Oak Point and Saint John. The water level at Oak Point is expected to reach 4.8 metres.

Anyone affected by flooding can report damages by calling 1-888-298-8555 or byregistering damages online.

Watercourses at risk include:

• Nashwaak River
• Miramichi River
• Restigouche River
• Middle River (Bathurst)
• Southwest Miramichi (Priceville/Doaktown area)
• Salmon River
• Tetagouche River (North Tetagouche Road)

But Downey said anyone needingimmediate help shouldcall 911.

"If they are looking for assistance, they can call their municipalities or theNew Brunswick Emergency Measures Organization.If they want to report flooding, or they'refine and they see something and they think people should know, they can call 1-800-561-4034."

• Residents keep close watch on ice in Little SouthwestMiramichiRiver

Road closures affected by flooding across N.B. can be found here.

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