Fredericton, Gagetown and Hartland have officially reached the flood stage as water levels in the swollen Saint John River rise.
According to the Lower Saint John River five-day forecast, water levels in Fredericton were at 7.25 metres as of 7 a.m. Wednesday morning. The flood stage there is 6.5 metres.
In Gagetown, water levels were recorded at 4.36 Wednesday morning, 0.36 metres above the flood stage in that area. Water levels are also slightly above the flood stage in Hartland.
“By Thursday, water levels are expecting to reach flood stage in Jemseg and Maugerville, and will continue to rise in communities such as Grand Lake, Sheffield-Lakeville Corner, Oak Point, Hampton, and Quispamsis-Saint John,” the province said in a release.
New Brunswick’s Emergency Management Office said in a tweet Wednesday that flood waters could cause road closures in the coming days.
“Avoid any roads covered by water, water may be deeper than it appears,” it said. “Follow road closure notices and do not move or drive around barricades.”
Officials also say people should watch out for wildlife on roads, as some animals may be seeking higher ground.