A state of local emergency has been declared in Perth-Andover, N.B., and 175 residents have been ordered to evacuate low-lying areas due to the risk of flooding.
The ice jam stretches four kilometres above and below the Perth-Andover bridge.
In a Facebook post, village Mayor Terry Ritchie says a flood is not yet imminent, but he warns that could change quickly as the St. John River is slowly rising, and is currently about one meter below flood stage.
Evacuees are being asked to check in with the Village Office (506-273-4958) or with the Perth-Andover Middle School (20 Nissen St.) where the Canadian Red Cross has set up an evacuation centre.
Flooding, meantime, has forced the closure of Route 105 from the Tobique First Nation to Perth-Andover.
Agencies/Canadajournal