While floodwaters have receded in Sussex, water levels are rising elsewhere in New Brunswick.
Major rivers in southwestern New Brunswick have reached flood stage and are expected to rise into the weekend.
Rain and melting snow have pushed the Magaguadavic River to flood level, leaving many homes in the St. George area surrounded by water.
Larry Parks owns a home near Lake Utopia. He says the lake has risen about a metre since Wednesday and more water from upriver is on its way.
“The water is still rising up there and that water all has to come down here at some point in time, so it’s still gonna come up some,” says Parks.
As the water creeps toward homes, cottages and campsites, many are surprised to see the Magaguadavic River reach such a high level.
“That’s the thing, we didn’t have a huge rainfall,” says campground owner Phillip Maxwell. “I guess there must be a lot of snow up country that’s got to come down through here.”
Unlike the flash flooding that occurred in Sussex, the Magaguadavic River is known to rise slowly, at just a few centimeters per hour. The river is also expected to go down slowly but is expected to remain at flood stage for at least a few days.
Several roads in the area are closed and officials say more roads could close because the river has yet to crest.
“It’s still going up and we’re expecting that to continue for at least the next 24 hours,” says Sean Morton of the St. George Emergency Measures Organization.
Some communities, like Bonny River, may be temporarily cut off this weekend due to flooding.
“What we’re stressing is, people to be prepared, so if they do get isolated, they have their medication and groceries and things like that,” says Morton.
With files from CTV Atlantic's Mike Cameron
