Water levels expected to remain steady in coming days, EMO says

With more rain on the way, the New Brunswick Emergency Measures Organization, saywater levels are expected to stay near or just above the flood stage.

Water levels are already highin the Fredericton,Maugerville,JemsegandGrand Lake areas, and Robert Duguay, a spokesperson for the New Brunswick Emergency Measures Organization, said Monday that they'll likely remain steady.

• High water levels close roads along Saint John River
• Rainy forecast brings flooding concerns

Environment and Climate Change Canada is forecasting 20 to 40 mm of rain before Wednesday morning.

Duguay said up to 35 millimetresof rain is expected in the upper part of the St. John River basin and around 30 millimetresin the lower part of the basin.

"That amount of water will keep water levels steady for the next few days," he said. "We're not expecting a huge increase."

For a comparison, Duguay looked back to the flooding in 2008, when the St. John River levelreached 8.4 metres in the Fredericton area. So far, the water level isat about6.7 metres.

"We're going to stay like this for at least part of the week," he said.

Roads closed

But water has spilled into some roads along the St. John River basin.

Route 690 in Lakeville Cornerclosed Sunday morning, while the road to the former ferry in Lower Jemsegis also closed.

Highway 105 from Maugerville to Jemseg is partially covered by water at several locations, and Route 105 at Medford between TobiqueFirst Nation and Drummond remains closed to traffic.

John Keddywas forced to turn his red pickup truckaround on Monday when he saw the barricade at McGowans Corner.

"Water is a very powerful thing, as everybody knows, and it has a tendency to wash out as it goes, not just go over top, it'll wash out underneath, too," Keddysaid."And I'm not about to put this truck through something like that."

If you see it washed out, you better just hit the high ground," he said.

A news release issued by EMO saiddrivers should obey signs posted on roads indicating the presence of water or potential washouts.

They should also keep in mind that wildlife are seeking higher ground as their natural territories arecovered by water.

"Drivers should be cautious in these areas," he said.

Residents living near waterways are asked to remain vigilant as situations can change quickly.

The New Brunswick Emergency Measures Organization said it is on standby to monitor any potential risks for dwellings or infrastructure that could become at risk.