AUGUSTA — City officials have closed the Front Street parking lot due to a small ice jam that has formed on the Kennebec River.

Augusta Fire Chief Roger Audette said the downtown parking lot, which is located on the river bank just off Water Street, will be closed for precautionary reasons until further notice.

The jam formed over night and as of this morning had not led to flooding, Audette said.

But rising waters associated with the high tide, which is scheduled for 1 p.m., could lead the river to overflow its banks.

“We’re watching it closely,” Audette said.