FREDERICTON – The city of Fredericton and surrounding communities have passed flood-stage level.
For Fredericton, flood stage is 6.5 metres, and the water reached 6.6 metres on Thursday. Nearby Maugerville, Jemseg and Sheffield are also close to or have passed flood stage.
And the province’s Emergency Measures Organization says it expects the water to rise more over the next 48 hours. Fredericton’s levels are expected to reach 6.7 metres by Saturday.
“We’ve been concerned for a while. We’re at flood stage in some areas, and we’re getting close in others, so we have to stay concerned,” said Paul Bradley of EMO.
“Sometimes when you reach flood stage that means water is only coming up into a field but anytime we get to this level, it’s worrisome. Especially with weather that can change at any moment.”
Bradley said their biggest concern is rainfall, but Thursday’s overnight temperatures are expected to dip, which will slow the melt.
City of Fredericton officials are reminding residents to remain vigilant when approaching the St. John.
“We want to make sure people stay away from the river’s edge,” said the city’s Director of Public Safety, Wayne Tallon.
“The current’s are strong, the water is very cold, there’s a lot of debris coming down the river too so it’s a dangerous place to be not only for humans but pets as well.”
Residents on Fredericton’s north side are already seeing water in their basements. Keith McKay is pumping out water, and expects another four or five feet to trickle in.
“I’ll be pumping for another two months after the flood, until the water level goes down,” he said.
Water is starting to creep up along Route 105 in Maugerville, and officials are asking motorists to take it slow when approaching flooded areas.
Canadian Red Cross volunteers and the Oromocto Fire Department will be passing out flyers to residents with flooding information Thursday evening.
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