N.B. river conditions fair, but threat of flooding ‘isn’t out of the question’: EMO

People living along the Saint John River are watching water levels amid heavy rain.

The director of New Brunswick’s Emergency Measures Organization says this year’s river conditions are fair, but the threat of flooding and ice jams “isn’t out the question.”

Last week, the province launched its River Watch program, which keeps New Brunswickers updated on river conditions.

With heavy rain in the forecast Monday into Tuesday, EMO officials warn some of the province’s smaller waterways could see some localized flooding.

But Kyle Leavitt doesn’t anticipate the wet weather will lead to widespread flooding and ice jams along the Saint John River.

“So, the rain will obviously flow into our river systems, but we don’t expect that it’s going to do anything really that drastic in the next 24 hours with this new storm coming in,” he told Your Morning Atlantic’s Crystal Garrett Monday morning.

While there is little snow in southern New Brunswick right now, Leavitt notes some parts of northern New Brunswick still have up to 60 centimetres, so the risk of flooding is still there this season.

“If the ice is deep and it’s still formed up in the north, if it cracks, then it makes its way down the river, it could pose ice jams and pose some immediate flooding quite quickly,” said Leavitt.

“We’re looking for warm days and cooler nights so that way we have a nice gradual defrost and have the river manage all the water that it takes in.”

Despite the favourable conditions, Leavitt says New Brunswickers should remain vigilant, prepare for potential flooding, and stay away from riverbanks.

“Obviously we enjoy the scenery of New Brunswick and the Maritimes, and it’s always great to look at rivers and whatnot, but it can be a challenging and even treacherous conditions,” he said.

“If the water’s coming up and you get too close to the edge, the edge could be unstable, so it’s always best to keep away from waterways during this time of year.”

New Brunswickers can report ice jams and rising water levels to the New Brunswick Emergency Measures Organization at 1-800-561-4034.

With files from CTV News Atlantic’s Avery MacRae

For more New Brunswick news, visit our dedicated provincial page.