Citizens asked to prepare for heavy rainfall

With a rainfall warning in effect for Saint John Wednesday through to Thursday morning, the Saint John EMO is warning residents to be prepared. The current forecast is 75 to 100 mm of rain with strong winds at times. Please be aware and be cautious when walking or driving. The City will continue to monitor updated forecasts as the weather event approaches.

The City’s Public Works and Transportation crews are preparing trucks with road barricades and signage and will continue to clear major catch basins and drainage gutters across the City. Accumulated ice and frozen ground due to recent cold temperatures may contribute to more localized flooding than usual. The Saint John Emergency Management Organization (SJ-EMO) will monitor the weather and respond if necessary.

What you can do to help:

• If able, clear neighbourhood catch basins and gutters that may be covered with ice, leaves, garbage and other debris. Keeping them clear will provide better drainage for stormwater.
• Use caution and be safe when at beaches and around other coastal areas.
• Reduce driving speeds, keep headlights on, observe all posted signage and barricades and avoid driving through any areas that are covered in water.

To report flooding, contact the City’s Customer Service Centre at 658-4455.

To report a fallen power line or power outages, call Saint John Energy at 658-5252 or visit them online.

For emergencies, call 911.

For updates, visit www.saintjohn.ca, follow us on Twitter or Facebook and local media.

Here to help – For inquiries related to municipal services, contact the City of Saint John Customer Service Centre at (506) 658-4455, email service@saintjohn.ca or visit us in person on the Ground Floor of City Hall, 15 Market Square, Monday to Thursday (excluding holidays), 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.