Residents asked to prepare for heavy rainfall and strong winds this weekend

With a special weather statement in effect for Saint John beginning Saturday afternoon through to Sunday morning, the Saint John Emergency Management Organization (SJ-EMO) is asking residents to be prepared. The current forecast is for up to 50mm of rain through the weekend and wind gusts of up to 90km/hr. 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 inspect major catch basins and drainage gutters across the City. Parks crews are ready to respond to any trees or branches that may fall during the storm and the SJ-EMO will monitor the weather and respond if necessary.

What you can do to help:

• If able, clear catch basins and gutters from any obstructions near homes.
• Tie down or move loose items around your property.
• Use caution and be safe around 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.
• Prepare 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 Twitter or Facebook and local media.