The province says flood waters now cover an unprecedented area of Manitoba, stretching from the Saskatchewan border to eastern Manitoba, and from The Pas to the U.S. border.
Emergency officials are battling water on a number of fronts. They've seen "significant activity" on the Assiniboine River over the past 24 hours while warning that the Red River could crest at levels "somewhat higher" than 2009.
Meanwhile, a provincial sandbagging machine has been delivered to the Peguis First Nation, where 576 people evacuated their homes and The Souris River continues to flow over its banks. Officials say "significant" flows from the U.S. and the Turtle Mountains may bring a prolonged crest.
In addition, Manitoba Water Stewardship says an ice jam on the Assiniboine River near Poplar Point is being watched closely and in Brandon, the Assiniboine River dikes will now be patrolled on a 24 hour basis.
There are approximately 67 full or partial closures on provincial roads and approximately 700 municipal roads are shut down.
The province says floodway operations will be adjusted Saturday to accommodate increased flows from the Assiniboine River.
The good news is that recent snowfall in southern Manitoba and northern U.S. is not expected to affect crest predictions. However, the province warns the added moisture may result in a longer period of flooding.
The province says the impact of the storm will be fully assessed by Monday.
