Large chunks of ice are piled on top of one another, glistening in the sun as they rest along the Nashwaak River in New Brunswick.
For many, it’s a sure sign of spring, but for others, it’s a sign of danger. The ice has the tendency to jam up the river, causing water levels to rise and creating localized flooding in low-lying areas.
READ MORE: New Brunswick’s Nashwaak River reaches flood stage, provincial government says
“While the weather has been favourable — slightly warm days, cool nights, not much precipitation — overland flooding isn’t the only danger this time of year,” said Geoffrey Downie, director of the New Brunswick Emergency Measures Organization.
On Monday evening, the New Brunswick government issued a flood stage warning for the Nashwaak River near Durham Bridge.
The New Brunswick EMO is keeping a close eye on watersheds across the entire province on Tuesday, monitoring for signs of rising water and flooding.
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They’re reminding New Brunswickers near Nashwaak River and other flood-prone areas to be prepared in the event of a flood. That means making sure you have an evacuation plan and a 72-hour preparedness kit on hand.
“People need to focus on what they can control. You can’t control the weather, you can’t control how high the river is going to get — what you have total control over is your preparedness,” said Downie.
READ MORE: New Brunswick to receive rain, snow as part of ‘major’ spring storm
With a large storm on its way to New Brunswick — bringing with it snow and rain — it’s unclear if the weather will help break up the ice jams or simply make the waters higher.
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