The Red River has risen significantly in southern Manitoba as the result of considerable precipitation south of the border over Christmas.

According to Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure's Hydrologic Forecast Centre, the southern portion of the Red River basin in the United States received up to 80 millimetres of precipitation as rain and snow between December 24th and 27th. This has resulted in an increase in water levels north of the border.

The Hydrologic Forecast Centre says water levels have already increased by about five feet near Emerson and are peaking. It says water levels will continue to rise north of Emerson by three to five feet as the river approaches Winnipeg. This is all expected in the next three to five days.

This rise in water levels may lift the ice and create open water conditions near the river shorelines. People are advised to take precautions.