Police in Brantford, Ont., are warning people in the area that the flood crisis in Brantford remains unpredictable and high risk.
A state of emergency was declared Wednesday at 10:30 a.m.
The latest message on the city's website says that Wednesday's evacuation of the areas hit by the flood is still in effect, at least until noon today.
Police suggest the public to check the city's website for road closures.
"We have another small surge from the Nith River that feeds into the Grand River, probably around 11 o'clock this morning," Brantford Mayor Chris Friel told CBC News Thursday. "The evacuation order will remain in place until much later in the day today."
Friel said there are still 650 to 800 people without power or gas and that people could be out of their homes for another night.
*Flood Update* The flood crisis impacting the City of Brantford remains unpredictable & high risk for the impacted areas & will remain in effect until at least 12pm. Updated information will be provided as it is received. Please refer to the City website for road closures.
— @BrantfordPolice
Water levels in the Grand River have receded from Wednesday's peak, but still remain high. Crews have roped off sections of the city near the river.
Rob Demers came down to the water's edge by the Lorne Bridge Wednesday morning to see the water's flow for himself. He said the situation is a stark reminder of nature's power.
A state of emergency was declared today in Brantford, Ont., after parts of the city were evacuated due to flooding along the Grand River. (James W. Lewis/ Facebook)
"It's something that should be respected, and it's a reminder of just how powerful nature can be," he said. "It's scary, and hopefully people just stay away from it, and stay safe."
Nearly 5,000 people in 2,200 homes remain under the evacuation order surrounding the Grand River, after mild weather including heavy rain dislodged, Wednesday morning, an ice jam near the city. About 40 people who were forced out of their homes spent the night at the Woodman Park Community Centre.
Cam Linwood, Grand River Conservation Authority communications co-ordinator said a "second crest" of water from the Grand River is expected to be moving through Brantford over the next few hours. Linwood said on Twitter that "It will not be a very pronounced peak, but will result in high river flows through today, and the remainder of the week. We are continuing to monitor ice jams in the area."
City workers stand near the Grand River, where ice is overflowing and causing flooding around Brantford. (Martin Trainor/CBC)
Dozens of roads remain closed until further notice including Gilkinson Street, Ballantyne Drive to Daubiny Park, River Road & Birkett's Lane from Erie Avenue to Baldwin Avenue, Lorne Bridge and Veterans Memorial Parkway.
For a full list of road closures click here.
City officials also said Thursday morning that the power will be out in the effected areas until the evacuation is lifted.
State of emergency in Cayuga
The flooding is expected to get worse downstream from Brantford in places like Cayuga and the Six Nations reserve.
Reports of flooding stretched across southern Ontario, including London, Waterloo, Cambridge, Dunnville, St. Marys, Chatham-Kent and Orangeville.
Ice overflows from the Grand River in Brantford. (Martin Trainor/CBC)
Officials said ice is blocking water and forcing the heavier flows to find ways around the jams.
In Six Nations, the elected council called a state of emergency late Wednesday afternoon.
Residents along 744 West to Bateman Line were most vulnerable, the council said.
"Please note that the current flood conditions are not typical of Six Nations of the Grand River Territory," the council said. The highest water levels are expected to occur overnight Wednesday.
Brantford Mayor Friel said that "this is still going to hit communities downstream from us, Six Nations first then into Cayuga, then ultimately to Dunnville ... so for the next two days those areas downstream on the Grand River from us are going to be dramatically impacted."
Parts of Brantford have been evacuated because of the overflowing river. (Martin Trainor/CBC)
Lynda Powless, owner of Turtle Island News at the Grand River Territory of the Six Nations, told CBC News that she has never seen flooding like this before in the area.
"Not to this extent," Powless said. "This one took everybody by surprise. Normally, we see this kind of flooding in the Spring. With the problem in Cambridge, the breakidge there, it kind of put everybody on alert."
Six Nations fire officials also closed roads: Fourth Line from Seneca Road to Bateman Line, and Mohawk Road to Third Line. The council is monitoring water levels around the Chiefswood Bridge.
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