St. John River reaches flood levels in Fredericton

The St. John River is at theflood stage in Fredericton, reaching the level earlier than anticipated, emergency officials reported Tuesday morning.

Emergency Measures Organization officials projected on Monday that the river, which flows through the capital city,would reach flood levels on Wednesday.

"It came up a little bit faster," said Andy Morton, deputy director of the New Brunswick EMO.

Water levels are increasing because of strong water flows coming from the north, Morton said.

The flood level of the river in Fredericton is 6.5 metres.

The water flows are a direct result of snow melt, but rain is forecast for Tuesday night and into Wednesday, Morton said. The rain is also expected to have an impact on the river.

Low-lying underpasses and roadways near the river in Fredericton may soon have water on them, Morton said.

"Once we reach flood stage, it really means that now things are significant. It means we are starting to see flooding of more than just the interval land that we would expect to be flooded any year. It's sort of above the average."

Emergency measures officials are running models of the water flows on the river, and by Tuesday afternoon expect to have more information on how the water will rise, he said.

People living or working along streams and rivers in the lower St. John River valley are being asked to be on alert for water level increases and use caution when travelling in flood-prone areas, Morton said.

Emergency Measures is reporting the following water levels in the province:

• In Fredericton, the water level was at 6.51 metres on Tuesday and expected to rise to 7.4 metres by Thursday.
• In Maugerville, the water level was at 5.5 metres on Tuesday and expected to reach6.2metres by Thursday. Flood stage issix metres.
• In Jemseg, the water level was at four metres and expected to increase to 4.8 metres by Thursday. Flood stage is 4.3 metres.
• In Grand Lake, it was atfour metresand expected to reach 4.7 metresby Thursday. Flood stage is five metres.
• In Sheffield-Lakeville Corner, the water level was atfour metresand expected to reach 4.8 metres by Thursday. Flood stage is 5.1 metres.