Citizens should prepare for rain expected on Saturday

With a special weather statement in effect for Saint John and County on Saturday due to significant precipitation, the Saint John EMO is warning people to be prepared. The current forecast is 25 millimeters or more of rain for areas near the Fundy coast.

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. The SJ-EMO will monitor the weather and respond if necessary.

What you can do to help:

• Localized flooding could occur when the rain combines with snow melt. With over 6,000 catch basins across the City, it is impossible for crews to keep them all clear under the current conditions;
• Citizens can help by clearing catch basins near their homes;
• Use caution and be safe 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, or visit us in person on the Ground Floor of City Hall, 15 Market Square, Monday to Friday (excluding holidays), 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.