Flooding forces evacuation of 35 homes in Petersfield, Man.

Dozens of residents of Petersfield, Man., who had to leavetheir homes overnight due to road flooding will likely be able to return home later today.

About 35 homes and 34people were evacuated early Wednesday morningafter flood waters breachedthe road,cutting off access.

The water, from Netley Creek, is not threatening homes at this time and a state of emergency is not necessary, saidDarcyHardman, the emergency measures coordinator for the Rural Municipality of St. Andrews.

"The water levels went up drastically and what happens is the water was running over the road," he said."In the past, it can get up to about two or three feet deep on top of the road."

The evacuation order came at 3 a.m. for homeson Jenny Drive in the town, located about 45 kilometres north of Winnipeg.

Elaine Murray, who lives on Jenny Drive, said firefighters knocked on her door at 5 a.m. and told her and her husband they had only a few minutes to get out.

"I'm going for surgery Friday morning, so here I am thinking, 'Oh my God, I got to take my pills, I got to take my bag, in case we can't get back in!'" said Murray, who is having her left kidneyremoved.

Water levels starting to recede

Byabout6:45 a.m.,thewater levels had receded somewhat.

Officials believe the surge was from an ice jam near where Netley Creek meets the Red River.

Hardman said the ice jamhas likelyshifted further north andrelieved the pressure.

A few of the evacuees were sent to a hotel in Selkirk but the majority are staying with friends or family, Hardman said, adding they will likely be allowed to return by Wednesday evening.

Murray said she was initiallyworried about how long she'dbe out of her home, but shelearned she could be backwithin 24 hours.

Sheadded thatWednesday marks the second time she and her husband have been forced from their home over the last two years due to flooding.