Flooding forces much of Fredericton to close

The Saint John River reached 8.2 metres — or 1.7 metres above flood stage — on Saturday, but had receded to 8.1 metres on Sunday. Heavy rains were dousing the area Monday, raising concerns that there could be further flooding in the area.

Several communities down river were already surpassing flood levels.

Other river systems were also at risk of flooding, including the Nashwaak, Middle and Tetagouche rivers.

Some government offices were shut down for the day, roads were closed and court hearings were being relocated in the capital city on Monday following flooding that

Carol Dilworth, who lives a couple of streets up from the river in Fredericton, had barricades in front of her house but no flooding. She said she prepared days before the flooding occurred by turning the gas off and removing things from her basement.

Dilworth said she’s a bit of a veteran, having experienced three floods in the flood-prone zone, including the worst one in 1973.

“I left my house in a canoe with my young child and an elderly neighbour who was 85 at the time in 1973!” she said. “So there hasn’t been a flood that’s raised so much anxiety as that one did. We’re just very wet, but it has receded quite a bit.”

The Canadian Red Cross said Monday that 26 residences had been evacuated, affecting 58 people. That would not have included others who are thought to have evacuated on their own.

“It’s devastating for lots of homes and it throws a massive wrench into just the general workings of the city,” said Downey.

The province stressed that people should steer clear of the closed areas and not bypass barricades. Downey said the current is very strong and the river is full of debris.

In Nova Scotia, heavy rains on Sunday caused localized flooding in Cape Breton.

An ambulance ended up in deep water near Eskasoni on Sunday afternoon after veering into a water-filled ditch. Emergency Health Services said no patients were on board and no paramedics were injured. An official said a vehicle in front of the ambulance had stopped to avoid hydroplaning and the ambulance driver swerved to avoid it.