A flash flood that filled basements in minutes has forced 70 people in an east-central Saskatchewan city to flee their homes, some by canoe.
The massive storm hit the Yorkton area in late afternoon on Thursday, flooding five blocks of homes and apartments in the low-lying city core.
Downtown streets remained under waist deep water on Friday, said Michael Pasloski of the Red Cross.
"It was unbelievable. I've never seen anything like it," said Mr. Pasloski.
"Most of the people that we've evacuated, they've lost everything. The water came above the basement level. It filled the basement and was coming on the main floor.
"These people were evacuated by canoes from their homes. That gives you an idea of the amount of water that came in such a short period of time."
Mr. Pasloski said affected residents were taken by bus to a temporary shelter and registered with the Red Cross before being put up in hotels.
The storm also flooded cars, toppled trees, and knocked out power.
Mr. Pasloski said he doesn't know of anyone taken to hospital or otherwise hurt by the flooding.
He said the situation is still difficult for the 17,000 residents of the city, located northeast of Regina near the Manitoba boundary.
"The streets are closed. That central area, you cannot drive a vehicle through it. It will be quite awhile before traffic flow is normal throughout the city."
The forecast also called for more rain and unsettled weather.