In Kenora, a recommendation for evacuation north of the city has been upgraded to an Evacuation Order.
Any residents who live north of the bypass on all roads north of the Portier bridge are to evacuate this (Friday) afternoon.
Residents in this area are advised to gather the things they need and evacuate their homes before 6:30 p.m.
City crews are working on securing a corridor for safe passage out of this area until 6:30 p.m. today.
After 6:30 p.m. the roads will be closed and there will be no exit or entry after this time and exits will be monitored by the OPP.
The Emergency Operations Centre has established an evacuation centre at the Kenora Recreation Centre.
Should residents who are evacuating the area require a place to stay, they may access services and shelter at this location.
You will need to register at the front desk and provide proof of residency.
The city says it’s important that the public understands this is a very serious situation, not to be dismissed.
In most cases, there is more than eighteen inches of water on top of the roads.
Continuing to attempt to build up roads or install new culverts is no longer a viable path forward given the current volumes of water.
Residents who live south of the Portier bridge should be prepare to evacuate as water levels are expected to rise to a point where the East Melick and Essex Road intersection will become unstable.
