Saint John River Could Reach Flood Stage This Weekend

The forecast is not very positive for those living along the Saint John River.

New Brunswick Emergency Measures Organization says 16 communities from Edmundston to Saint John are forecast to reach or surpass flood stage over the next five days.

Spokesperson Geoffrey Downey said Environment Canada is forecasting up to 80 millimetres of rain in northern New Brunswick over the next three days.

Downey said the rain, combined with unseasonably warm temperatures, will lead to a lot of snow melt.

“We’re no longer talking about if it’s going to flood or when,” said Downey. “We have a fairly good picture that it’s going to flood and that it’s going to flood in the coming days.”

The River Watch five-day forecast for the lower St. John River is available at https://t.co/pN5VVGXmnr pic.twitter.com/PGSegyBO3b

— Government of NB (@Gov_NB) April 17, 2019

In Fredericton, water levels are expected to reach 8.1 metres on Monday, which is 1.6 metres above flood stage — the 2018 peak was at 8.31 metres.

Water levels are also forecast to reach or surpass flood stage in Maugerville, Sheffield, Lakeville Corner, Jemseg and Grand Lake by Sunday or Monday.

Downey said the situation is not as dire yet in the Saint John area.

“But the water comes from the north and moves to the south, so if it’s looking rather dire for Fredericton, communities below Fredericton should be preparing for some significant flooding as well,” he said.

Water levels in Saint John are expected to reach flood stage at 4.2 metres by Monday.

Downey said residents who live in flood-prone areas should have an evacuation plan ready just in case.