EMO warns of local flooding as snowfall, freezing rain and rain warnings issued for part of province

With snowfall, freezing rain and rain warnings issued for parts of the province, the New Brunswick Emergency Measures Organization says there may be a risk of localized flooding in some areas. 

Environment Canada has issued freezing rain and snowfall warnings for parts of central, northeastern and northwestern N.B. for Wednesday night and into Thursday. The northwestern part of the province could see up to 20 centimetres of snow. 

Rainfall warnings have been issued for Fundy National Park, Saint John and County and Grand Manan and Coastal Charlotte County with up to 30 millimetres of rain expected ove the next 36 hours. 

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The national weather service said the rain will be heavy at times and "the frozen ground has a reduced ability to absorb this rainfall."

EMO added in their release that the "rainfall, coupled with a melting snowpack, could result in localized flooding, particularly in areas where drainage systems are blocked by snow and ice." 

EMO spokesperson Robert Duguay said localized flooding is possible as a result of the heavy rain and advises people to be cautious.

"There could be small rivers and streams that may see ice break up resulting in rapid water level increases."

Situation monitored closely

Duguay said EMO is monitoring the situation very closely with the department of environment and local government.

"That's the things we are watching at this point and we certainly advise people to be very cautious all along rivers and take all safety measures." 

Duguay also said the amount of freezing rain expected should not cause any power outages. 

"In terms of the weight (of the freezing rain) on the lines, we don't feel there will be sufficient volume to represent risk for breaking lines at this point from what we understand."

Duguay continued, saying the danger from the freezing rain is on roads and sidewalks.