Flood Details - 2000-10-29 - 2000-10-30

On October 29th, a powerful "nor'easter" hit the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence coast. Sustained gale-force winds, combined with a high tide, flooded river estuaries to record levels. Along the shore and rivers, numerous buildings and structures sustained damage. Basements were flooded, parts of roads were washed away and telephone poles were toppled. The storm produced rain over the southern half of the province and up to 25 cm of snow in central and northern regions. About 7,000 NB Power customers over a 100-kilometre stretch of the coast were without electricity. Sections of boardwalk at the Irving Eco Centre habitat park in Bouctouche were swept away by the sea. Several people in the Pointe-du-Chene area left their homes after water rose to their front steps. At least 14 families in a section of Rexton were evacuated after the Richibucto River spilled over its banks flooding some homes and threatening others. Flooding was also reported in Cocagne and Miramichi.

Storm surge with high winds and powerful waves.

Charlo received 24cm, St. Leonard 18 cm, Miramichi 12 cm, and Bathrust 26 cm of snow. Moncton received the most precipitation with 57 mm of rain. Fredericton received small amounts of snow and 10 mm of rain. At Irving Eco Centre the waves were estimated to be three metres (about 10 feet) high.

A recovery cost of $1.8 million was spent in Gloucester, Kent, Northumberland, Restigouche, Westmorland and York Counties. The provincial government paid a total of $2.4 million in insurance claims due to the storm (see appended report).