NB 24
Jan. 15, 2006
FREDERICTON (CNB) - The following is issued by River Watch 2006 and the Department of Public Safety's New Brunswick Emergency Measures Organization.
The St. John River Ice Movement Watch issued Saturday remains in effect.
Persons living or working in areas prone to ice jam flooding or along streams, tributaries, and small rivers particularly in the central or middle portion of the province are asked to exercise caution.
The rainfall Saturday and Sunday morning continues to drain and may cause significant increases in water flows for the next 48 hours. Conditions remain favourable to promote the break up and movement of existing ice covers including the potential for ice jam flooding.
Ice jams are currently in place along the Nashwaak River causing road closures at Route 107 at Nashwaak Bridge, Nashwaak West and Route 8 at the junction of the Kilarney Lake Road. Department of Transportation officials are monitoring and rerouting traffic as necessary.
An existing ice jam at Riley Brook remains in place and continues to hold water, and water has crossed Route 385.
Environment Canada has lifted the heavy rainfall warning, however, water levels will continue to increase as the rain water and snow melt works its way through water sheds. There remains potential for additional ice break up and movement which may lead to ice jam flooding. The potential for localized flooding where normal drainage systems are blocked by snow and ice, is still high.
Generally, the river systems and their tributaries have risen over the past 24 hours, and expectations are that water flows will increase significantly on Sunday and Monday in response to the rain and snow melt, particularly in the central portion of the province.
The River Watch 2005 website can be found at: http://www.gnb.ca/public/Riverwatch/index-e.asp
A variety of self-help advice is also available on the NB-EMO Public Alerts site at: http://www.gnb.ca/public/info-e.asp
06/01/15
EDITOR'S NOTE -- Please note the definition of "Ice Jam Watch." A "Watch" alerts you that conditions are favourable for disruptions to normal activities and precautionary steps should be taken to reduce the potential for loss or damage. "Watches" are intended to heighten public awareness of the potential impact of events.
MEDIA CONTACT: Andy Morton, River Watch 2005, 506-453-2133.
06/01/15