New Brunswick Floods: Where's The Worst?

New Brunswick has experienced flooding in several parts of the province, with Fredericton, Gagetown, and the Saint John River being notable areas. The city of New Brunswick and surrounding towns like Piscataway have also experienced historic flooding due to the Raritan River overflowing its banks. This resulted in the evacuation of over 1,000 residents and the housing of 164 people and 24 pets in emergency shelters.

Flooding in New Brunswick caused by the Raritan River

Flooding in New Brunswick, New Jersey, has been caused by the Raritan River, which has persistent flooding problems when excessive rain from storms affects the river basin. The river, which is a major waterway in the state, has a history of flooding that mainly affects the town of Bound Brook and Manville, with other towns in the Raritan River basin experiencing flooding to a lesser degree.

The river forms at the confluence of the North and South Branches, just west of Somerville, at the border of Bridgewater, Branchburg, and Hillsborough Townships. It flows for approximately 16 miles (26 km) before slowing in tidewater at New Brunswick, and its estuary extends 14 miles (23 km) more, entering the western end of Raritan Bay at South Amboy.

The flooding in New Brunswick is often a result of excessive rain from storms affecting the Raritan River basin. In the aftermath of Hurricane Floyd in September 1999, record flooding occurred, with a flood crest of 42.13 feet (12.84 m), which was 14 feet (4.3 m) above the flood stage. This led to a renewed interest in a flood control project called the Green Brook Flood Control Project, designed to protect Bound Brook from a 150-year flood.

More recently, in May 2024, roads in New Brunswick remained closed due to flooding caused by Ida. The impact of storms on the Raritan River basin can be severe, and the river's flooding has been referenced in literature, such as the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, "The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao" by Junot Diaz.

Flooding in Fredericton, Woodstock and Gagetown due to the Saint John River

The Saint John River, Eastern Canada's longest river, is prone to flooding in the spring. This is due to the valley's surface runoff from heavy rainfall, exacerbated by ice jams, high tides, and rapid snowmelt. The river's flooding has been documented for over 300 years.

In 2018, the Saint John River experienced record-high levels, causing one of the worst floods in modern history in New Brunswick. This led to millions of dollars in damage to property, particularly in Fredericton and Saint John. The flooding also compromised the sewage systems, leading to water contamination and gastrointestinal illness. The following year, in 2019, the river flooded again, damaging homes and cutting off communities from road access.

In 2023, Fredericton, Woodstock, and Gagetown were warned of potential flooding as the Saint John River swelled. The rising water levels posed a threat to residents living near the riverbanks. The spillway gates at the Mactaquac Dam, near Fredericton, needed to be opened soon to release the increasing water volume.

The Saint John River is a significant waterway in New Brunswick, flowing through several settlements, including Fredericton, Oromocto, and Saint John. The river is surrounded by lush green rolling hills and farmland, offering recreational opportunities like swimming, boating, and kayaking. However, the threat of flooding is ever-present, and residents in vulnerable areas must remain cautious and vigilant.

Flood maps of New Brunswick

New Brunswick's flood maps are important tools that help landowners, land purchasers, and land-use planners make informed decisions to avoid or reduce flooding risks to life and property. The maps describe the expected frequency, depth, and width of flooding at specific locations. They cover parts of the province that are particularly vulnerable to river flooding.

The Government of New Brunswick provides a set of current flood maps and supporting documents that are accessible to the public. These maps are designed to help residents and stakeholders understand and mitigate the risks associated with flooding. The province also offers additional resources, such as an information sidebar, to assist in interpreting and effectively utilising the flood maps.

By using these flood maps, individuals and organisations can make more informed choices when it comes to land use and development, ensuring that they take the necessary precautions to minimise potential hazards. This proactive approach can help reduce the impact of flooding on communities, infrastructure, and the economy.

Furthermore, New Brunswick's flood maps play a crucial role in the province's Flood Risk Reduction Strategy. This strategy outlines a comprehensive plan to address flooding concerns and enhance the resilience of communities. By combining the data from the flood maps with on-the-ground knowledge, the province can implement targeted solutions, such as early warning systems, improved infrastructure, and community education, to better protect residents and their properties.

Overall, the availability and utilisation of flood maps in New Brunswick demonstrate a proactive approach to flood risk management. By providing accessible and detailed information, the province empowers its residents, landowners, and planners to make well-informed decisions, ultimately contributing to a safer and more resilient New Brunswick.

Evacuation of New Brunswick residents

New Brunswick has experienced several instances of flooding, leading to evacuations and significant impacts on the lives of residents. One notable incident occurred in September 2021 when the Raritan River caused severe flooding in New Brunswick and the surrounding areas. As a result, more than 1,000 residents were evacuated, and many found themselves riding bikes or standing on top of cars in neck-deep murky brown floodwater. The flooding also led to road closures and traffic gridlock, with the Mayor of New Brunswick, Jim Cahill, advising people to avoid driving into the city.

The flooding was caused by 8 to 8.4 inches of rain that fell in the area, leading to the river overflowing its banks. The situation was so severe that the Hyatt Regency, a high-end hotel in the city centre, had to close. The New Brunswick Police played a crucial role in rescuing 50 stranded motorists from cars that were trapped in the floodwaters. Additionally, dozens of residents in Piscataway, a neighbouring town, had to be rescued from their homes, with the Mayor, Brian Wahler, pleading with residents not to attempt to ride out the flood and to call 911 for assistance.

The evacuation process was well-organised, with 164 people and 24 pets being accommodated in emergency shelters. Families were sheltered at various locations, including the Lord Stirling School and the YMCA at the Piscataway Community Centre. The flooding also impacted Rutgers University, causing the first day of classes to be moved online.

In another instance, parts of New Brunswick reached flood stage as the Saint John River swelled, with Fredericton and Gagetown officially reaching flood levels. The rising water levels were attributed to the melting snow in the northwest of the province, which flowed downstream after the ice cover broke up without causing an ice jam. This event prompted warnings to residents about possible flooding along the Saint John River, and the spillway gates at the Mactaquac Dam, near Fredericton, had to be opened to manage the increasing water levels.

To assist in decision-making and risk reduction, New Brunswick has developed flood maps that describe the anticipated frequency, depth, and width of flooding in specific locations. These tools help landowners, land purchasers, and land-use planners make informed choices to avoid or reduce the risks associated with flooding.

New Brunswick's River Watch officials on melting snow

New Brunswick's River Watch officials are keeping a close eye on the melting snow in the province, particularly in the northwest, as it poses a risk of flooding. The ice cover broke up without causing an ice jam, allowing the melting snow a clear path downstream. This, combined with recent rainfall, has led to rising water levels in the lower Saint John River, which is anticipated to surpass the flood stage by Wednesday.

Geoffrey Downey, the spokesman for the New Brunswick Emergency Measures Organization, stated that while it has been a slow spring with minimal rain, the recent precipitation has led to a rise in water levels, which is not unusual. However, he cautioned that there is still a significant amount of snow in the woods that could contribute to rising water levels as it melts. The rate at which the snowpack melts will determine the likelihood and severity of flooding.

River Watch officials are urging residents living along the lower Saint John River to stay vigilant and be prepared for potential flooding in the coming days. The areas of Fredericton, Jemseg, and Gagetown are expected to be particularly affected, and residents in low-lying areas should be ready to evacuate quickly if necessary.

The River Watch officials' proactive monitoring and early warnings are crucial in helping residents prepare for potential flooding. Their assessments of snowmelt, rainfall, and water levels enable timely alerts, ensuring that communities can take appropriate actions to stay safe and minimise potential damage from flooding events.

The situation underscores the importance of effective flood risk management strategies and early warning systems in New Brunswick. By closely monitoring environmental factors, such as snowmelt and rainfall, officials can provide timely alerts and guidance to communities at risk, helping to mitigate the potential impacts of flooding on lives, properties, and the environment.

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