Merrimack River Could Crest This Afternoon

By Debra Daigle on Sunday, May 14, 2006.

The National Guard is asking the curious to stay clear of the Merrimack River in Manchester.

The river is expected to crest there later this afternoon.

NHPR Correspondent Debra Daigle is on the scene.

(sound: river)

It's an angry-sounding Merrimack River behind me here in Manchester, which is expected to crest sometime later today, at about eleven feet over flood level.

Mayor Frank Guinta says he's especially concerned about the millyard brick buildings along the river. He met with Governor Lynch to plan a strategy during these relentless heavy rains, which are causing flooding throughout much of the state.

Some Manchester residents say they've never seen the river any higher.

Evacuations have been ordered on several streets throughout the city. And many roads have been closed.

Sandbags are available at the city highway department. And Southern New Hampshire University's open to shelter, at the gymnasium.

For NHPR News, this is Debra Daigle in Manchester.