NBers warned to watch for strong currents, flooding

Water recreation enthusiasts should be leery of New Brunswick's rivers despite warm weather in the province, says the Emergency Measures Organization.

The EMO is warning the province's rivers are not yet safe for use because theyare currently fast flowing and the spring melt is pushing ice and other debris along, said Andy Morton, deputy director of EMO.

"There is debris that is picked up by the increased water levels from washed-out trees to garbage, basically, that gets picked up and floats along," he said. "It can cause considerable damage if not avoided."

Riverbanks throughout the province are swollen, Morton said, creating the optical illusion the water is running slower than it actually is.

"It's a trick of perspective," Morton said. "I would caution anybody who is thinking of venturing out onto water courses in canoes or kayaks or even powered boats to exercise extreme caution because water flows are much faster than they appear."

A lot of snow and ice in northern New Brunswick still has yet to melt, Morton said, and the rivers are expected to swell and speed up currents as temperatures continue to hover between 15 C and 19 C this week.

The Department of Public Safety issued a flood watch on Monday for all residents living or working along the St. John RiverValley.

Water flows and levels are expected to increase significantly over the next few days, said a press release, and will be combined with light rain.

Following are water levels in areas of the province:

• In Fredericton on Monday, the water level was 6.11 metres and is expected to increase to 6.7 m on Wednesday. Flood stage is 6.5 m.
• In Maugerville the water level was at 5.16 m and is expected to increase to 5.8 m by Wednesday. Flood stage is 6 m.
• In Jemseg the water level was at 3.79 m and is expected to increase to about 4.3 m on Wednesday. Flood stage is 4.3 m.
• In Grand Lake the water level was at 3.71 m and is expected to increase to about 4.2 m by Wednesday. Flood stage is 5 m.
• In Sheffield-Lakeville Corner the water level is at 3.76 m and is expected to be around 4.3 m on Wednesday. Flood stage is 5 m.