Lunenburg Co. worried about floods when spring thaw arrives

Nova Scotia may be winter weary, but the spring thaw, whenever it comes, is already worrying some South Shorecommunities.

In Lunenburg County, officials say when the snow finally melts it could create conditions as bad, or worse, than the2003 flood that killed two people who wereswept into the LaHave River.

The area isprime for flooding this spring. Early winter rain raised river levels and saturated soil, saysHeather Mackenzie-Carey, the regional emergency managementco-ordinatorinLunenburgCounty. There's now a heavy snow pack on top of that, while the spring thaw islate.

"The farther into this season we go before we start to get melts, the worse it will be," she said.

Mackenzie-Carey warns that it's not just flood-prone areas that may be at risk, but also homes and buildings that don't typically get touched by flood waters.

One particularconcern isthe LaHave River. There's potential for ice jams during the spring melt, which would cause flooding upstream and may even damage bridges in Bridgewater.

The province recently asked the Canadian Coast Guard to breakup some of the ice along the river, and the Sir William Alexander was dispatched last week. However, the water wasn't deep enough for the vessel to manoeuvre safely and the effort had to be abandoned.

In anticipation of what's to come in the next couple ofmonths, Mackenzie-Carey is offering a series of tips for residents to prepare for flooding:

• Know where youll go if you need to evacuate your home. Have essential goods for kids, pets and yourself ready to go.
• Roads may be impassible, so think about alternative routes.
• Clear drainage areas so melting snow can escape.
• Clear a path around your house so snow doesnt melt into it.
• If your basement is prone to flooding, lift things off the floor and shut off the electricity if it starts to flood.
• Check in on your neighbours.
• Respect the barricades. When you come to a blocked road, don't drive through it.

Packed snow about double the normal amounts and the extended cold period means a huge amount of snow covers the land.

"I think anybody with a house, with snow around the house, could see some flooding," Mackenzie-Carey said.

• Maritime Storm Centre

She said thepublic shouldprepare themselves,theirpets and property, andlook out for neighbours.

"Were in this together. The more we can have people be prepared to look after themselves, the better off well be as a community," she said.