Public Advisories & Alerts

FREDERICTON (GNB) – As water levels in the lower Saint John River have reached flood stage, it is starting to impact roads. Drivers are urged to be vigilant.

Water levels are above flood stage in Hartland, Fredericton and Gagetown. By Thursday, water levels are expecting to reach flood stage in Jemseg and Maugerville, and will continue to rise in communities such as Grand Lake, Sheffield-Lakeville Corner, Oak Point, Hampton, and Quispamsis-Saint John.

Drivers should follow road closure notices and do not move or drive around barricades. They should avoid any roads covered by water, as it represents a serious safety risk. Water may be deeper than it appears and may conceal sinkholes or other damage and debris.

Drivers are also asked to obey changes to speed limits and to watch for wildlife on roads. Some animals will be seeking higher ground as their natural territories are covered by water. The presence of wildlife on roads should be reported to local authorities.

Call 511 for road closures and conditions or check online. NB 511 also has a new mobile application that allows users to set specific roads to receive alerts, such as road closures.

Residents can report any issues related to increased water levels or flooding at any time by calling 1-800-561-4034. In case of emergency, call 911.

Flood level five-day forecasts are available online for the Upper Saint John River and the lower part of the Saint John River.

New Brunswickers are reminded to:

• consider moving belongings to higher ground if their property is near a waterway or is in an area that is prone to flooding.
• avoid the banks of waterways as they become dangerous this time of year.
• avoid boating, kayaking or other water activities this time of year as currents are strong and may carry debris. As well, people should stay away from the edge of the river while walking.
• read helpful tips, the latest forecasts and public advisories by visiting the River Watch website, or by following the Emergency Measures Organization on Twitter and Facebook.

The River Watch program is in effect to provide New Brunswickers with information on the status of rivers and potential flood issues across the province over the coming weeks.

The program is a joint effort led between the Department of Environment and Local Government, the New Brunswick Emergency Measures Organization of the Department of Justice and Public Safety and NB Power, supported by Environment and Climate Change Canada, watershed groups, and other federal, provincial and state agencies involved in monitoring and forecasting the water flow in the province's rivers and streams.

Updates on information related to the potential for flooding or ice jams, including 24/7 emergency updates, is available online and will be issued to the news media, local governments, partners and first responders.