May 1, 2008 Maine river expected to crest at record height Play video

(John Moroney, NECN: Maine) - There is great concern about flooding in Northern Maine. All eyes are on the Saint John River in Fort Kent, along the Canadian border. The river is cresting about five feet above flood stage, but is expected to crest at 20.97 feet high.

The International Bridge between Fort Kent and New Brunswick is closed and many residents have been evacuated. The bridge runs between Fort Kent and New Brunswick, Canada. Emergency officials in New Brunswick have warned residents in the area to brace for the worst flood in decades. Up to 1,300 homes are threatened by the rising water.

Fort Kent's only protection from the rising river, is a 30 foot dike. On Tuesday, Governor John Baldacci issued a state of emergency for Aroostook County.

Saint John's last record height was set in 1979 when it crested at 27 feet.

NECN's John Moroney has the latest.