New Brunswick Premier Blaine Higgs (Submitted/Government of New Brunswick)
After a weekend of rain and high temperatures, water levels continue to rise in the Saint John River this week.
Fredericton is expected to hit 8.1 metres on Monday, then fall to 8.0 metres Tuesday and eventually reach 7.0 metres by Friday. Flood stage is 6.5 metres.
Jemseg, Maugerville, Sheffield and Grand Lake have also exceeded flood stage and water levels are forecasted to keep rising during the week.
The Saint John area will reach 4.3 metres on Monday, just passing its flood stage of 4.2.
Water levels are expected to reach 5.2 metres by Friday. They peaked at 5.73 metres during the 2018 flood.
Premier Blaine Higgs is also keeping a close eye on the rising waters.
He says he has been asked if there is a need at this point to declared a state of emergency, “I’ve had and will continue to have these conversations everyday with public safety officials. At this time, there is no need for one, but we will not hesitate to declare a state of emergency if public safety demands it.”
Higgs says he is working closely with the Emergency Measures Organization and the military and he believes at this point, they have enough resources available.
The federal government responded quickly to requests, with members of the Canadian Armed Forces now assisting those already affected by flooding, and those who are watching the waters closely, “They’ve already undertaken a reconnaissance mission and planning activities and they have already begun in numerous areas that are being impacted most quickly to fill sand bags and work with residences.”
Higgs says their experiences from last year are helping in how things are being handled, “This year we have had the great advantage of experience and lessons learned from last year. It has certainly added a greater sense of calm. However, I must stress that this is still a very difficult and hazardous situation and we are not out of the woods. In fact, we are just entering.”
