Queen Elizabeth Park in Brandon sits underwater as seen on Sunday, May 8, 2011. (CHRISD.CA)
About 900 homes in Brandon will need to be evacuated by 8 p.m. tonight as the Assiniboine River continues to rise.
Increased river flows and unwanted precipitation in the forecast have forced city officials to implement the mandatory precautionary evacuation.
Homeowners living in the area from 4th Street North to 26th Street North are affected by the evacuation, which includes McDonald Avenue to the river.
Should the flood threat worsen suddenly, an emergency siren will sound.
Brandon police, city councillors and the mayor began door-to-door notifications at 7 a.m. Monday and provided residents with Evacuation Notification Cards.
Residents are encouraged to stay with family, friends, or go to the Reception Centre in the Canada Room at the Keystone Centre.
All evacuees are required to register, regardless of where they plan on staying. Registration can be done at the Reception Centre or by calling the Red Cross at 1-888-662-3211.
UPDATE: City officials say further evacuations could come in less than 24 hours — mainly affecting homes situated north of the Assinibonie River.
