Danny floods homes, forces evacuations

Post-tropical storm Danny caused havoc through many parts of southern New Brunswick over the weekend as heavy rains pounded the area and flooded dozens of basements.

Saint John firefighters were called to pump out water from more than 50 homes on Saturday. On Sunday, Saint John police were trying to keep drivers away from flooded roads throughout the city.

Staff Sgt. Steve Patterson, a spokesman for Saint John police,said they had to impose a zero tolerance policy for drivers who ignored the barriers.

"Our people are issuing fines today of $172.50 for anyone who passes a barricade because what happens is some people are getting caught in the water and we have to call someone to get them out and they should know better and we go through this every storm," Patterson said.

For the second time in a year, Carol MacKay will have to pull up her downstairs floor because of flooding.

She lives in the Forest Hills area in Saint John and just finished renovations from last year's mess.

"We'll cope with it for this time. The fans are drying it up so we can lift it and see how much more has to be done," MacKay said.

Evacuations in Moncton

In Moncton, the Canadian Red Cross says at least 14 people were forced from their basement apartments in three buildings.

All three apartment buildings were within a few blocks of each other in Moncton's northwest corner.

Volunteers arranged emergency accommodations in Monctonfor 11 adults and three children who were affected by the evacuations.

Boil orders issued

The storm also resulted in boil water orders for the communities of Hillsborough and Riverside-Albert.

Officials say heavy rain caused sediment to stir up in the water supplies for the communities.

The Department of Health says there must be two days of clean test results before the boil orders can be lifted.