City of SJ News
03-08-2008, 04:00 PM
Saturday March 8, 2008 1 PM, Saint John, NB - The City of Saint John is issuing a warning to residents of low lying areas and motorists to anticipate possible flooding and hydroplaning conditions today and tomorrow given the Rainfall Warning issued by Environment Canada at 11 am for a "significant rainfall of 60 to 100 millimetres today and tonight".
Shayne Galbraith, Saint John Works Director, said "anything over 50 mm of rain represents a risk for flooding in the Glen Falls area and localized flooding in other areas including low lying traffic lanes of thoroughfares like Rothesay Avenue and Fairville Boulevard". Galbraith said that the Glen Falls System currently has capacity to handle a large rainfall but that presence of ice in the upper reaches of the system could affect flow rates and increase the risk of flooding, especially if precipitation amounts are toward the upper level of the forecast.
"Residents need to be aware of the forecast and take steps to protect their property and to drive with caution. Opening nearby drainage basins, drainage swales and ditches on private property and checking eaves trough and roof leaders to make sure they are functioning is also a good idea" said Galbraith. City crews were checking drainage system inlets and outlets and opening catch basins in known trouble spots Thursday and Friday and continue to do so today. Crews are also prepared to respond if it becomes necessary overnight.
Should flooding occur media will be notified of the affected locations, and the public is requested to avoid these areas to reduce traffic congestion and allow residents and staff to better deal with the situation.
More... (http://www.saintjohn.ca/article-details.cfm?ArticleID=901EB489-D1F0-B619-C7F117AE639B555F)
Shayne Galbraith, Saint John Works Director, said "anything over 50 mm of rain represents a risk for flooding in the Glen Falls area and localized flooding in other areas including low lying traffic lanes of thoroughfares like Rothesay Avenue and Fairville Boulevard". Galbraith said that the Glen Falls System currently has capacity to handle a large rainfall but that presence of ice in the upper reaches of the system could affect flow rates and increase the risk of flooding, especially if precipitation amounts are toward the upper level of the forecast.
"Residents need to be aware of the forecast and take steps to protect their property and to drive with caution. Opening nearby drainage basins, drainage swales and ditches on private property and checking eaves trough and roof leaders to make sure they are functioning is also a good idea" said Galbraith. City crews were checking drainage system inlets and outlets and opening catch basins in known trouble spots Thursday and Friday and continue to do so today. Crews are also prepared to respond if it becomes necessary overnight.
Should flooding occur media will be notified of the affected locations, and the public is requested to avoid these areas to reduce traffic congestion and allow residents and staff to better deal with the situation.
More... (http://www.saintjohn.ca/article-details.cfm?ArticleID=901EB489-D1F0-B619-C7F117AE639B555F)