Flood danger begins to move downriver in N.B.

The St. John River is stabilizing in New Brunswick's capital area but residents should remain on alert for more rising waters, says an Emergency Measures Organization official.

The Fredericton area is in a "settling down trend," Andy Morton, deputy director of Emergency Measures, said Friday.

The river water in the area, however, remains above flood level at 7.1 metres and will likely remain that way until into Saturday, when it is expected todropto six metres, Morton said. Flood level in the city is 6.5 metres.

Drier and colder weather has moved into the area and will slow the snow melt and flooding, Morton said. But if the sun shines brighter than expected, the waters may come a little faster.

"We're walking a very fine line right now between dry weather, warm weather and wet weather," Morton said.

Flood dangers are now starting to move downriver to Jemseg and the port city of Saint John.

People living in the lower St. John River valley should be prepared for flooding, Morton said.

Sections of Route 105 outside Fredericton remain closed and covered with water. Tripp Settlement Road, Rusagonis Road, Elms Road and Route 690 near Lakeville Corner are also closed because of flooding.

The St. John River reached flood stage in Fredericton on Tuesday and has left a number of basements in the area flooded.

"The road sort of bubbles up through the grates and then the centre of the road disappears, then it surrounds the house and the sump pump can't keep up and you're done," said Dan Snow, who lives in Fredericton.

Residents in the flood prone low-lying areas around the city were very prepared for this year's rising waters, Morton said.

Snow said in the 2005 flood, his family lost everything in their basement including furniture, tools, a stereo and a television.

This year, as soon as it was clear there was a threat, the family moved everything to the upper levels of the house and placed valuables in waterproof bins.

"It might not seem like much but when you have to replace them it adds up," he said.

About 33 families have voluntarily evacuated their homes but only three have taken up residence in an emergency shelter set up at the University of New Brunswick.

The Red Cross registration centre for flood evacuees in Fredericton closed on Friday but the one in Oromocto has remained open.

Most people have opted to stay in their homes in the flooded Maugerville area, said fire Chief Jody Price.

"I've been here 28 years now. Man [it's] just water," said resident Wayne Thomas, who donned hipwaders on Thursday to get around his flooded basement.

The EMO is forecasting the following water levels for other areas:

• In Maugerville, the water level is expected to decrease to6.1 metres by Saturday. Flood stage is six metres.
• In Jemseg, the water level is expected to reach five metres by Saturday. Flood stage is 4.3 metres.
• In Grand Lake, the water level is expected to hit five metres by Saturday. Flood stage is five metres.
• In Sheffield-Lakeville Corner, the water level is expected torise to about five metres by Saturday. Flood stage is 5.1 metres.
• In Oak Point, the water level is expected to reach 4.2 metres by Saturday. Flood stage is 4.7 metres.
• In Quispamsis, the water level is expected toincrease to four metres by Saturday. Flood stage is 4.2 metres.