Rivers at flood stage, more downpours to come for Maritimes

Wednesday, May 10, 2017, 6:51 AM - Following a weekend of excessive rainfall — courtesy of the same system that dropped flooding downpours on parts of Ontario and Quebec — more rain will fall Wednesday.

New Brunswick bore the brunt of the heavy rainfall over the weekend, with water levels on the St. John River, the Maritimes' largest, at the highest they've been this season, according to officials.

"With additional rainfall expected, water levels on the St. John River should remain high but steady for the rest of the week," a government bulletin reads. "Environment and Climate Change Canada is forecasting a average of 10 mm of rain per day until Friday morning."

Several roads remain closed as a result of high water levels in the lower part of the river basin.

"The north shore of the St. Lawrence has seen over 160 mm in some places since Saturday, could reach 200 mm by Wednesday," says The Weather Network meteorologist Kevin MacKay.

QUICK FACTS:

• Rainfall warning in effect for eastern Nova Scotia warns of a stationary low pressure system. 45 to 65 mm expected by Thursday morning for much of Cape Breton
• Rainfall amounts reported since Saturday range from 70 to 130 mm across much of the region
• Localized flooding and road washouts along parts of the Cabot Trail highway
• Much of the lower St. John River remains at or slightly above flood stage
• Dry weekend finally on the horizon

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N.B. River Watch reports water levels on many places along the St. John's course are expected to remain within a metre of flood stage, with the lower St. John from Fredericton to Saint John likely to remain slightly above flood stage for at least the next couple of days.

While no advisories have been issued for New Brunswick, parts of eastern Nova Scotia remain under a rainfall warning.

"A long episode of rain, at times heavy, is expected," says Environment Canada in the warning. "The ground, already near saturation, has little ability to absorb further rainfall."

With 70 to 130 mm reported since the rain began on Saturday for much of the region, this has resulted in localized flooding and road washouts along sections of the Cabot Trail highway, according to the weather agency.

Cape Breton could see 45 to 65 mm by Thursday morning, with locally higher amounts possible.

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Check back for updates as we continue to monitor the forecast.

With files from Daksha Rangan.

FROM THE FIELD: Family canoes from home just to reach road. Watch the full story, below.