The annual River Watch program launched Tuesday in New Brunswick.
The River Watch program provides New Brunswickers with updates on the status of rivers, potential ice jams or flood issues across the province.
The Department of Environment and Local Government and the Emergency Measures Organization (EMO) will monitor the melting of ice and snow around water courses – particularly the Saint John River Basin.
“I know it’s been a few years since we’ve had significant spring flooding, but the risk is still there,” said Public Safety Minister Robert Gauvin.
“New Brunswickers need to prepare for potential flooding. The New Brunswick Emergency Measures Organization and its partners are there to help, but preparedness begins at home.”
During River Watch season, EMO advises New Brunswickers to:
- Be prepared for possible flooding and have a plan to evacuate and be self-sufficient for at the 72 hours.
- Move belongings to higher ground if their property is near a waterway or in an area that is prone to flooding.
- Avoid the banks of waterways as they become dangerous at this time of year due to cold and swift currents.
- Be aware it will become unsafe to cross waterways on foot, in cars, or on snowmobiles and ATVs as ice continues to deteriorate.
“The Hydrology Centre in the province puts in a lot of effort to get information to residents when they need it,” said Environment and Climate Change Minister Gilles LePage.
“The staff look at many factors when generating data for their forecasts, including snowmelt, river ice movement, forecasted rain and anticipated temperature fluctuation. Having accurate and timely information is important, so individuals can take measures to reduce the effects of flooding on their properties and homes.”
River Watch officials collect data from several sources to develop river models and forecasts which are made available through the River Watch mobile site.
For more New Brunswick news, visit our dedicated provincial page.
