Residents asked to prepare for heavy rain and wind

With heavy rainfall expected for Saint John today, Monday, March 16, the Saint John EMO is asking residents to be prepared. The current forecast is for up to 60mm of rain over and strong winds, with gusts of over 90 KM/H. Snowmelt and frozen or saturated ground may compound impacts. 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. 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 storm water.
• 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.
• Clear drainage paths in and around your property
• Secure items that may be affected by the wind
• Avoid any roads that may become flooded
• Maintain a 72-hour emergency kit

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 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 [email protected] 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.