Flooding forces evacuation of 35 homes in Petersfield, Man.

Dozens of residents of Petersfield, Man., who had to leave their homes overnight due to road flooding will likely be able to return home later today.

About 35 homes and 34 people were evacuated early Wednesday morning after flood waters breached the road, cutting off access. 

The water, from Netley Creek, is not threatening homes at this time and a state of emergency is not necessary, said Darcy Hardman, the emergency measures coordinator for the Rural Municipality of St. Andrews.

"The water levels went up drastically and what happens is the water was running over the road," he said. "In the past, it can get up to about two or three feet deep on top of the road."

The evacuation order came at 3 a.m. for homes on Jenny Drive in the town, located about 45 kilometres north of Winnipeg.

Elaine Murray, who lives on Jenny Drive, said firefighters knocked on her door at 5 a.m. and told her and her husband they had only a few minutes to get out.

"I'm going for surgery Friday morning, so here I am thinking, 'Oh my God, I got to take my pills, I got to take my bag, in case we can't get back in!'" said Murray, who is having her left kidney removed.

Water levels starting to recede

By about 6:45 a.m., the water levels had receded somewhat.

Officials believe the surge was from an ice jam near where Netley Creek meets the Red River.

Hardman said the ice jam has likely shifted further north and relieved the pressure.

A few of the evacuees were sent to a hotel in Selkirk but the majority are staying with friends or family, Hardman said, adding they will likely be allowed to return by Wednesday evening.

Murray said she was initially worried about how long she'd be out of her home, but she learned she could be back within 24 hours.

She added that Wednesday marks the second time she and her husband have been forced from their home over the last two years due to flooding.