Flood Details - 2011-07-12 - 2011-07-13

Moncton was hit with a heavy thunderstorm on July 12th. The traffic circle near the Moncton-Riverview causeway was inundated when heavy rain started falling at about 9:00 p.m. At the same time, a faulty sewer pipe under Wheeler Boulevard ruptured, adding to the problem. Several cars were stranded in the rising waters. About 12 feet of roadway was torn away by the water, forcing the closure of part of the traffic circle until one lane reopened by about mid-day on the 13th. The heavy rainfall was accompanied by thunder and lightning that knocked out power to about 13,000 NB Power customers. The Moncton area escaped the hail that struck in some areas of west-central New Brunswick. Golf ball sized chunks smashed windows in the Woodstock area and loonie sized chunks sent people running for cover near Hartland.

Environment Canada rainfall amounts for July 12th: Moncton: 38 mm

A public works official with the City of Moncton said 16 homeowners reported flooded basements. Several homes on some of the highest terrain were struck, in the area west of Jones Lake. The deluge of rain broke a 70-year-old record for precipitation. A farmer in the northwestern community of Drummond near Grand Falls said his potato crop was devastated by the strong winds, heavy rain and hailstones. He estimated losses of up to $500,000.