NH Officials Warn of Potential Flood Hazards

CONCORD, NH – New Hampshire safety and environmental officials are warning of potential flooding due to heavy rains expected to arrive in the state on Thursday, July 24, particularly along the Pemigewasset, Contoocook, Warner and Baker rivers.

The National Weather Service is predicting 2-4 inches of rainfall, with the possibility of up to six inches, depending on the path of weather patterns.

"We are particularly concerned about public safety because people do not normally expect flooding this time of year," said Christopher M. Pope, Director of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. "We also have many out of state visitors, people in campgrounds and others enjoying the outdoors. We don't want them to be taken by surprise by sudden flooding."

The Weather Service is predicting minor flooding, that is, a foot or foot and a half over flood stage on the Pemigewasset at Woodstock, Plymouth and Rumney. Levels may also reach flood stage on the Contoocook River at Henniker, the Warner River at Davisville and the Baker River at Bristol. River stages are generally predicted to crest early Friday morning and recede throughout the day on Friday.

James Gallagher, Administrator of the Department of Environmental Services Dam Bureau , said, "DES officials are increasing the releases from many of the state-owned dams to lower lake levels, provide storage capacity and reduce the potential for damage to lakeshore property."

Pope urged New Hampshire residents and visitors to pay close attention for sudden rises in river levels and to heed flood watches or warnings issued by the National Weather Service. He also cautioned against driving on roadways that are water covered because the road surface may have been washed away or undermined by rapidly moving water.

For additional information on flood safety, visit the DES flood information web site at www.des.nh.gov/floodinfo.htm or www.ready.gov.