Thursday, 29 February 2024

Sussex again coping with major flooding, evacuations, street closures

 
 
 
 

Washouts, flash freezing in some areas after rainstorm

Schools in 4 districts stayed closed because of treacherous morning travel

A day and night of rain and wind, followed by a quick drop in temperatures, left many schools closed Thursday, caused washouts, flash flooding and road closures in some areas, and disrupted life in Sussex with another flood.

Four districts kept their schools closed on Thursday, and at noon, Nackawic elementary, middle, and high schools closed because of a power outage.  

Flash freeze and rainfall warnings were issued by Environment Canada early Thursday, but by afternoon, no warnings remained

In Sussex, at least 12 roads were closed because of severe flooding.

WATCH | Part of road closed after major washout:
 

An overflowing stream and washed-out road west of Salisbury

Duration 0:28
Video from residents captures the damage to Route 112 in Harewood caused by a prolonged rainstorm.

Farther northeast, near the Salisbury area, a culvert on Route 112 washed out, closing that section of the road. 

Temperatures that were as high as 11 C in some areas on Wednesday were expected to fall between -6 C and -14 C by Thursday afternoon.

According to the N.B. Power website, around 4,000 customers are without power, down from 7,500 in the morning.  

Icy tire tracks Slush and water started to turn to ice on Thursday morning as temperatures quickly fell. (Hannah Rudderham/CBC)

 
 
 
329 Comments
There was such as shitstorm of comments CBC shut down before I could add my two bits worth
 
 
 
 
 

Sussex again coping with major flooding, evacuations, street closures

A warming centre is open at 1067 Main St. as temperature drop follows day of rain

Flooding in Sussex from a day-long rainstorm has closed at least 12 roads and forced 24 people out of their homes so far.

"It's a devastating experience when it happens and it's happening quite frequently here," Scott Hatcher, the southern New Brunswick town's chief administrative officer, told Information Morning Saint John.

An emergency operations centre was mobilized on Wednesday night in the town of more than 5,700.

On Thursday morning, the precipitation had started to switch to snow. 

A warming centre is open at 1067 Main St.

A Tim Hortons with a flooded parking lot The Tim Hortons in Sussex was surrounded by pooling water. (Julia Wright/CBC)

By late morning, water levels had decreased significantly, and neighbours in the flooded areas were out and about with their sump pumps. Some roads reopened, but there were still dangerous washouts on others.

The Town of Sussex posted an update on Facebook that dumpsters would be placed on affected streets for residents to dispose of any household items ruined by the flood.

Sussex resident Luke Belyea said he woke up Thursday to snow coming down and a flash freeze on the horizon.

But knowing how much rain fell the day before and overnight, he ventured closer to the downtown to check on his place of work, the Sussex Armouries.

"The flooding had already taken over the road down in front of the rink, all around the Armouries and all around Tim Hortons," he said.

Without being able to get any closer but still wanting to check on his work building, Belyea, who takes photographs as a hobby, flew his drone over the area.

A drone image of a town with lots of flooding     A drone captured a photo of significant flooding in the town of Sussex. (Submitted by Ronnie Davis)

Hatcher said that despite barricades, people have been trying to drive on closed streets. He said he understands some people may want an up-close look at the flooding, but they are just causing more damage by creating waves.

The Sussex area has suffered a lot of flooding over the years, and this latest event brought comparisons with a major flood in April 2014. Hatcher said there was significant rain before the 2014 flood as well, but this storm met or exceeded that amount of water.

More than 200 millimetres fell this time, and many residents experienced property damage, he said.

A view from inside a vehicle of a flooded road. Route 880 in Lower Millstream, west of Sussex, was impassable Thursday morning. (Submitted by Wayne Williams)

Belyea said the flooding that he captured on his drone was similar to what was experienced during the flood of 2014. The only difference, he said, are the dropping temperatures, which he worries will cause even more damage to people's homes when the water freezes. 

Hatcher said the town has a flood mitigation plan but hopes to secure funding for a five-year construction project to reduce the effects of flooding. 

CBC's Journalistic Standards and Practices
 
 
 
211 Comments
 
 
David Amos
Welcome to the circus  
 
 
Al Clark
Reply to David Amos
ah an oldie but goodie - a strong producer, bravo!  
 
 
 
David Amos 
Will Austin say the same thing to the folks in Fat Fred City this spring? 


 
David Amos
Its not climate change it is the result of too much clear cutting  
 
 
Al Clark
Reply to David Amos
Even a broken clock is right twice a day. Bingo! 
 
 
David Amos
Reply to Al Clark
Using my expressions against me EH? 
 
 
Al Clark
Reply to David Amos
Am I grinning right now? 
 
 
Al Clark
Reply to David Amos
Surprise par trois? 
 
 
Bobby Richards 
Reply to David Amos
Climate Cutting 
 
 
David Amos
Reply to Bobby Richards 
We are masters of our own disasters and we always elect governments we deserve
 
 
Denis Reagan
Reply to Al Clark
Even a Cuckoo one, playing bingo or not. 

 
David Amos
Reply to Denis Reagan
I am surprised that he did not flag you  
 
 
 
 
Al Clark 
remember kris oct 21
 
 
David Amos
Reply to Al Clark
Kris who?  
 
 
G. Timothy Walton 
Reply to David Amos
Kris Austin, our Minister for Inappropriate Names. 
 
 
 
 
 
Mike Van Fleet
According to the flood plain map of New Brunswick Sussex is smack dab in the middle of one.

Why do people insist on building in places where problems will always occur?

 
Bob Smith 
Reply to Mike Van Fleet 
"The view.." 
 
 
David Amos
Reply to Mike Van Fleet
I have lived in Sussex area many years and it never flooded until recent years  
 
 
Allan Marven 
Reply to Mike Van Fleet 
The gov't allows it. 
 
 
rick haars 
Reply to David Amos
Times are a changing.
 
 
rick haars 
Reply to Mike Van Fleet 
Nostalgia?  
 
 
MR Cain  
Reply to Mike Van Fleet 
Yep, they should have known better. The area was known as Sussex Vale from 1810 – 1898 and was a farming community of 185 people.  
 
 
Mike Van Fleet 
Reply to David Amos  
That's funny because it has been a flood plain since the province was named, "New Brunswick".  
 
 
Yves Savoie 
Reply to Bob Smith 
Mr Smith, just hate the view of having 3' of water in my basement......  
 
 
 
 
Zoe Richmond 
That's a real shame. Sussex NB is likely one of the best communities in Canada.
 
 
David Amos
Reply to Zoe Richmond 
I agree 
 
 
 
 
Alison Jackson 
I mentioned this flooding in Sussex earlier and it was removed. No valid reason why.
 
 
Denis Reagan
Reply to Alison Jackson  
Best that the flood was removed. Don't question a good thing. Thanks for mentioning it.
 
 
Mike Barkman 
Reply to Denis Reagan  
Some persons on this site don't like it when even the hint of climate change is associated.
 
 
Denis Reagan
Reply to Mike Barkman 
Never enough hints as to climate change. A very serious topic that some deny and others make no effort to fix it.
 
 
David Amos
Reply to Alison Jackson
Lots has gone poof 
 
 
Kramer Vandelay 
Reply to  Alison Jackson 
There is no free speech around these parts
 
 
Dennis Woodman 
Reply to Mike Barkman 
Hint ? Every story is turned into a global warming story. 
 
 
MR Cain 
Reply to Kramer 
VandelayYou are free to comment on any subject you want, as demonstrated.
 
 
David Amos
Reply to Kramer Vandelay   
Oh So True
 
 
David Amos
Reply to Dennis Woodman  
Par for the course  
 
 
G. Timothy Walton
Reply to Alison Jackson
Deletion is the theme today, no valid reason why. 
 
 
David Amos
Reply to G. Timothy Walton
No valid reason but there is a reason 
 
 
Don Corey
Reply to David Amos
And we're not allowed to mention the actual word for the reason.  
 
 
 
 
Al Clark   
Well they seem to have gotten rid of the lead story from tis morning but if the fishing shacks interested you there's a vid on youtube of one heading for Davy Jones' off Renforth while a few usual suspects almost require a water rescue. Firemen love those. Eat fish, get smarter people!  
 
 
David Amos
Reply to Al Clark 
What about Not a Starship???  
 
 
Al Clark
Reply to David Amos
It had a lonely trip down under. Also, not a sealing ship, nor an icebreaker. I expect it's been carried downriver, news at 11.  
 
 
 
 
Wilbur Ross
This is why you have two Tim Hortons on the same street. Always good to have a backup. 
 
 
David Amos
Reply to Wilbur Ross
What is the second one if not a back up?  
 
 
Wilbur Ross  
Should be a Sea-doo in the drive thru. 
 
 
Denis Reagan 
Reply to Wilbur Ross 
Wha hell! If I ran that Tim Hortons, I would have had plenty of gum boots inside for the customers to come in and pick up, so they can get their coffee. 
 
 
David Amos
Reply to Denis Reagan  
Yea right
 
 
Al Clark
Reply to Denis Reagan
How about a boardwalk, to the sidewalk  
 
 
 
 
Raymond Leger
changement climatique est tres pricey  
 
 
David Amos
Reply to Raymond Leger 
C'est Vrai
 
 
Denis Reagan

Reply to David Amos
Et tabernac for da price eh? 
 
 
David Amos

Reply to Denis Reagan 
Regardez les cochons damnés se diriger vers l'abreuvoir
 
 
 
 
Raymond Leger
Climate change is getting very expensive  
 
 
Denis Reagan
Reply to Raymond Leger
Costs more each time you change.   
 
 
David Amos
Reply to Denis Reagan  
True 
 
 
Denis Reagan
Reply to David Amos
Someone is catching all my gut-splitting jokes here finally. Keep it up
 
 
David Amos
Reply to Denis Reagan 
Its just another one of those things I do that folks seldom appreciate
 
 
Don Corey
Reply to Raymond Leger
Flood plains are identified as such for a very good reason, and it's been that way long before climate change became the reason for every significant weather event that we now experience. 




Archie MacDaniel  
This is Tammy Scott Wallace's riding. She is one of Higgs best cabinet ministers. She doesn't speak until given the word by the boss. 


David Amos
Reply to Archie MacDaniel  
Wallace as a journalist called me in 2015 when asked me the first question I hung up on her because her support of Moore was obvious. Trust that she does not answer my emails as a politician and I feel honoured  
 
 
 
 
Wilbur Ross
Fill out the forms if you want any help from Higgs & Co. You know the drill ... subject to approval ... work requirements must be met ... you might get lucky and receive some aid. Hang in there folks, Higgs is never in a hurry to help. Faytene says read your Bible and pray in the meantime. 
 
 
Al Clark
Reply to Wilbur Ross
Yup, floods always bad news. Perhaps Blaine, fay, and kris can join hands and part the waters 
 
 
Wilbur Ross 
Reply to Al Clark
Prayer vigil for sure ✊ 
 
 
Wilbur Ross 
Reply to Al Clark 
But anyone who's been flooded knows the real fun starts after the clean-up and you begin the fight for some sort of compensation. Higgs will make that extra easy I bet. 
 
 
David Amos
Reply to Wilbur Ross 
Amen 
 
 
Archie MacDaniel
Reply to Wilbur Ross 
Maybe she recommends building an ark? 
 
 
Bobby Richards 
Reply to Wilbur Ross 
Maybe she recommends building an ark?
 
 
Wilbur Ross 
Reply to Bobby Richards
Kris has connections with the Cajun Navy. Fans boats deployed. 
 
 
David Amos
Reply to Wilbur Ross 
I have no doubt that Cajuns and their Acadian cousins have no respect for Krissy Baby for rather obvious reasons
 
 
Al Clark
Reply to Wilbur Ross
I doubt that. 
 
 
G. Timothy Walton
Reply to Al Clark
They'll pray the transiting waters away.  
 
 
 
 
Matt Steele

 
 
Peter Desroche 

Reply to Matt Steele
Calm Down ,You have the job as being HIGGS #1 fan .
 
 
David Amos
Reply to Peter Desroche
Well put  
 
 
Wilbur Ross
Reply to Peter Desroche 
Bahahahahaha! Yes.  
 
 
 
 
Thomas Noodleman  
Its Sussex, February 29th 2024. grocery prices are up. I still dont know what a "hollaback girl" is. And I cant walk anywhere and keep my socks dry. Forgive me Burt Reynolds....
 
 
David Amos
Reply to Thomas Noodleman  
Surely you jest 
 
 
Al Clark
Reply to David Amos
I wonder daily what foo is and how do you fight it? 
 
 
David Amos
Reply to Al Clark
I'm not worried about it As you and the cops know I live on high ground Trust that my dog and I are hunkered down with lots of grub and a generator Furthermore remember the old saying if March come in like a lion it will go out like a lamb After that no doubt Mr Outhouse will tell Higgy to have the writ dropped so that we can vote against all the political parties during Apple Blossom Time  
 
 
Al Clark
Reply to David Amos
I'm thinking he will stay til the (very) bitter end, leaving scratch marks on the doorjambs. 
 
 
Al Clark
Reply to David Amos
Generator eh? Is it better to stock up on gas the day before the hurricane or wait in line the day after? Asking for a friend. 
 
 
David Amos

Reply to Al Clark
Your joking you have no friends 
 
 
MR Cain 
Reply to Thomas Noodleman 
The girl who hollers back from a guy's catcall. 
 
 
G. Timothy Walton 
Reply to David Amos
That sounds like disproportionate representation.  
 
 
David Amos 
Reply to G. Timothy Walton
Name somebody who represents you  
 
 
G. Timothy Walton 
Reply to David Amos 
That's a tough one. The Rhinoceros Party never gets elected.  
 
 
 
 
Robert Losier

 
 
Al Clark
Reply to Robert Losier
He doesn't have that inner calm that the mad trailer guy does, cultivated by a lifetime job as a career politician ;-)
 
 
David Amos
Reply to Al Clark
You should know  
 
 
 
 
Rusty Shackleford  
Pretty sure if you were to look at provincial floodplain mapping, the area affected is smack in the floodplain. These buildings, except for the Timmies, were there before the mapping was developed. That whole area is pavement, which is the opposite of what it should be to alleviate flooding. 
 
 
Robert Losier
Reply to Rusty Shackleford  
 
 
Al Clark
Reply to Rusty Shackleford 
Is.... Norton on the floodplain? Apohaqui? Hampton? The first peoples weren't as agoraphobic as B thinks btw 
 
 
William Peters 
Reply to Rusty Shackleford  
Our ancestors were not living on ground apt to flood. This is the result of a long period of individuals selling land to unsuspecting people who didn't think much like those ancestors who had the pick of the litter when it came to setting up shop. More often then not you'll find the oldest homes on little mounds or high ground close to these fertile areas. What was long ago just good marshy land became someone's property when it was all the rage to buy the old homesteads and subdivided the parcels. You can get more for property on the water's edge! Free fiddleheads. 
 
 
Raymond Leger 
Reply to Rusty Shackleford  
Very true, but unfortunately building in floodplains is still going on way too much. 
 
 
Lynette Browne
Reply to Rusty Shackleford  
Yes, it is unfortunate but settlements generally happened in valleys and near waterways as they provided for (and still are in many instances) the main form of transportation, supply of food, and water, etc. Flooding is not new, the problem is it is getting more frequent and happening at more unusual times of the year. 
 
 
Steph Roche
Reply to Rusty Shackleford   
flood plain mapping has been available for about 40 years

why do municipalities allow people to continue to build in risk areas

and

the maps will need significant updates now that the rain and melt events are becoming more frequent and more intense

 
David Amos
Reply to Al Clark
Who made you their spokesperson?  
 
 
G. Timothy Walton 
Reply to Rusty Shackleford  
Tim Hortons is more on the floodplain than the uptown.
 
 
 
 
Robert Losier

 
 
Al Clark 
Reply to Robert Losier
What proof they didn't? Tax records? 
 
 
David Amos 
Reply to  Al Clark 
Tax records? Yea right 
 
 
Al Clark 
Reply to David Amos
Sarcasm sheldon  
 
 
Robert Losier

Reply to  Al Clark
Sarcasm only to you, it seems. 
 
 
David Amos

Reply to  Al Clark 
Nobody is laughing at your jokes today
 
 
David Amos

Reply to  Al Clark
Why flag me? If you can't take the heat stay out of the kitchen  
 
 
David Amos 

Reply to Robert Losier
Guess who is flagging us  
 
 
Al Clark
Reply to  Al Clark 
It's 5 o'clock somewhere eh Bob? 

 

 

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