BIOS

Worst of flooding could be over for Winnipeg

Winnipeg may have seen the worst of this year's flooding season as water levels begin to stabilize along the banks of the swollen Red River.

On Thursday, a state of emergency was declared for certain sections of Winnipeg, but later in the day, there were signs that the river had crested earlier than expected.

Still, officials warned that water levels could still change as the spring runoff continues to flow through the Red River's tributaries.

"Unpredictable ice conditions on the Assiniboine River have increased Red River water levels in Winnipeg, while forecasted levels in some other parts of the Red River Valley are now somewhat lower ..." said a flood media bulletin issued on Thursday.

However, a dry weather forecast with very little precipitation shouldalso provide relief for flood-weary residents.

"The Red River will begin a very gradual decline tomorrow and remain above six metres until the middle of next week," said the flood watch bulletin.

However, parts of Winnipeg are still under a state of emergency.

The warning affects about 280 homes located near the swollen river and the city's main protective dyke.

However, officials stressed Thursday that the declaration is "proactive" and isn't meant to instill fear or panic among locals.

Meanwhile, thanks to no precipitation water levels on other sections of the Red River could be expected to

Randy Hull, emergency preparedness coordinator with the city of Winnipeg, said the warning is for homes on the river-side of the city's primary dike system.

Hull told CTV Newsnet that "a few pockets of homes" outside of the