Public Advisories & Alerts

FREDERICTON (GNB) – Cleanup and power restoration efforts are underway following post-tropical storm Lee.

Wind gusts up to 85 km/h and rainfall amounts of up to 121 millimetres were reported during the storm. Downed trees, tree contact with lines and high winds caused power outages throughout much of the province. About 90,000 NB Power customers were impacted by outages throughout the weekend. As of 3 p.m., power has been restored to 87 per cent of impacted customers. NB Power remains focused on safely and efficiently restoring power to New Brunswickers. In areas where outages are restored, crews are being relocated to where they are most needed. Restoration efforts will continue for the next few days.

“Now that post-tropical storm Lee has moved through our province, we are shifting our focus to assessing the impact of the storm,” said Kyle Leavitt, director of the New Brunswick Emergency Measures Organization. “Thank you to the many New Brunswickers who took steps to prepare and keep themselves safe. We continue to ask for the public’s cooperation, as damages and restoration continue to be assessed. We also encourage residents to check on their neighbours, particularly the elderly, who might require assistance.”

New Brunswickers are advised to stay away from areas where trees are in contact with powerlines or blocking roadways, and to call 911 if there is an immediate safety concern. They should not prune or remove trees on lines, as direct or indirect contact with power lines can be fatal.

For questions about power outages, consult the NB Power website or call 1-800-663-6272.

Road conditions

In the Moncton, Saint John, and Fredericton regions, crews are working to ensure roadways are cleared of trees and debris.

In the Saint John and Fredericton regions, several road closures have been reported by the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure.

In the Saint John region, Saint David Ridge Road is fully closed.

In the Fredericton region, the following roads are fully or partially closed:

• Riverside Drive in Fredericton Junction

• Route 102 in Islandview (between Burpee Bar Road and Everett Lane)

• Cox Point Road

• Mazerolle Settlement Road (west of Mountain Road)

• Gerome Street and Rainbow Avenue in Charters Settlement

• Harris Loop Road

• Route 102 in Gagetown

• Waasis Farm Road

• Route 645 (between Hwy 101 and Little Yoho Brook)

• Ferry Bank Road

Motorists are advised to be aware of closures and possible interruptions as a result of this weekend’s storm. They should plan ahead if they are considering travel today and continue to check 511 New Brunswick or dial 511 within New Brunswick for updates on the status of closures and the latest road conditions.

The New Brunswick Emergency Measure Organization is continuing to monitor the situation along with emergency management partners across the province.

Assessment and cleanup are ongoing, and based on initial information from communities that damages to infrastructure and properties are light, disaster financial assistance is not expected. Wind and surface flooding are insurable losses. Impacted individuals should contact their insurance providers to report damage.

As part of any cleanup they should also:

• Take photos of damage to their homes or properties.

• Keep receipts of any repairs and replacement purchases.

• Log the number of hours of work undertaken for residents who are cleaning their own properties, or family members or those who have assisted in the cleanup of their property.

If you are in an emergency where you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 911. If it is not an emergency and a local issue, please contact your local government or your local emergency measure organization. If they are unable to assist, you can then call New Brunswick Emergency Measures Organization at 1-800-561-4034. For environmental emergencies call 1-800-565-1633.

It is normal to feel stress, anxiety, grief and worry during and after a stressful situation. A list of programs and services that may help are available online.

Carbon monoxide warning

With the widespread power outages, New Brunswickers are reminded of the threat that carbon monoxide can pose in their homes. People have died and/or been hospitalized in recent years because of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Never run a generator in your home, garage, or near a window or air intake outside of your house. Never use a barbeque, camping stove or propane heater inside your house or garage. Note that carbon monoxide poisoning can still occur even if you have opened your window or garage door.

Food safety

Appropriate measures should also be taken to ensure food safety if power outages have occurred. More information is available online.

Well water safety

Well water should be tested regularly for the presence of bacteria and chemical contamination. It should be tested immediately if there is a change in its clarity, colour, odour, or taste, or if you have any doubt regarding its safety. The risk of well contamination may be higher after an extended dry spell, following heavy rains, or after lengthy period of non-use.