The City of Rigaud, located about 80 kilometres west of Montreal, is issuing an evacuation order for shoreline residents amid historic flooding.
After eight days of rising floodwaters that have now reached the 100-year mark, officials say the safety of their citizens is out of their hands.
“I am ordering evacuations in all flooded areas in Rigaud and Pointe-Fortune,” said fire department chief Daniel Boyer on Friday morning.
WATCH: Residents of Hudson are banding together to get through the next few days, as water levels in their area continue to rise. Global’s David Sedell was on the scene as volunteers helped with flood preparations.
READ MORE: Alert for possible dam failure on Rouge River remains in effect
The City of Montreal has also declared state of emergency. Mayor Valérie Plante made the announcement Friday afternoon in Pierrefonds-Roxboro, one of the areas hit by flooding.
In Laval, officials are recommending that shoreline residents in at-risk areas leave. Authorities are keeping an eye on the Outaouais, des Prairies and des Mille Îles rivers.
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It’s a race against time as flood-weary Quebecers brace for more water amid a rainfall warning for the southern half of the province.
Environment Canada says up to 60 millimetres of rain are expected over Friday and Saturday for several areas — including Montreal, Laval, the Laurentians, Lanaudière and Quebec City. Gatineau, one of the hardest-hit areas, is expected to receive up to 30 millimetres.
“Avoid driving through water on roads,” the weather agency said. “Even shallow, fast-moving water across a road can sweep a vehicle or a person away. Don’t approach washouts near rivers, creeks and culverts.”
Urgence Quebec reports that 3, 017 residences are flooded and more than 1,700 people have been forced to leave their homes as of Friday evening. An additional 2,736 homes are isolated due to washed-out roads and landslides.
Canada’s Public Security Minister Ralph Goodale says more than 1,000 soldiers are helping with the flood fight in Quebec.
WATCH BELOW: Goodale details ‘all hands on deck’ government approach to flood relief
Vaudreuil, Île-Perrot prepare for the worst
In the Montérégie region off the western tip of Montreal, there are several road closures as water levels continue to rise. Traffic remains heavy on Highway 40 West as some lanes are closed.
In Île-Perrot, shoreline residents are also bracing for evacuations. Problem zones include the northern tip of the island, Montée Sagala and Île-Claude.
READ MORE: ‘100-year floods’ are increasing in Canada due to climate change, officials say — is this true?
The City of Vaudreuil-Dorion is asking for volunteers to help pack sandbags on the weekend in the parking lot of the old Flying J.
Further west, Hudson residents are banding together to get through the coming days. The town launched a call for volunteers this weekend to fill sandbags.
—With files from Global News’ Brayden Jagger Haines and Mike Armstrong
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