Flood conditions improving in Port Bruce, Ont., after people forced from their homes

Water levels and road access to the village of Port Bruce, Ont., are slowly returning to normal after heavy flooding caused by heavy rain and snow displaced residents on Thursday. 

Public Works crews are hard at work to remove chunks of ice which are blocking access to roadways, said Adam Betteridge, the Township of Malahide's chief administrative officer. 

"Unfortunately, throughout yesterday evening when the flooding started, there were some 911 calls and our teams were mobilized," he said, describing "at least 10 separate incidents where crews needed to issue some rescuing."

While he was unable to confirm the extent of damages at this point, Betteridge says that a handful of residents are still displaced, while others have found alternative living arrangements.

"There are some properties that are in better locations, where there may not be property damage, but it may not be safe access due to the road conditions," he said. 

Dusty Underhill, general manager at Catfish Creek Conservation Authority, told CBC News that that creek received about 50mm of rain since Thursday evening. 

The Township put displaced residents in an emergency shelter at Sommerfield Mennonite Church in Mount Salem, which closed down Friday evening as residents shift to a hotel nearby.  

Jeff VanRybroeck, Elgin County's community emergency management coordinator, says that he's grateful there were no injuries to residents or crew members in this significant weather event.

"It's not uncommon to have some flooding in the area, but yesterday was an extremely quick thaw with heavy rainfall, it was a positive moment as we quickly activated the technical rescue team," he said. 

Officials are advising residents who are returning to their homes to do so carefully. Flood patrols will be active into Saturday morning as well. 

More information on the evolving situation can be found on the Township's facebook page