Millcreek fire department water rescue teams are evacuating homes and cottages in the Kelso Beach area tonight because of flooding conditions.

After a 24-hour stretch of high winds pummeling the region, residents in that area of Millcreek Township started reporting concerns of rising water around 7:30 p.m. Sunday. 

One man reported that the water was coming up over the first floor windows of his home.  Another who has lived there since the 1970's said he has never seen anything like these conditions.

Fire department crews from West Lake and Lake Shore using their water rescue gear helped about 15 residents and five dogs to safety.  They'll be staying at the West Lake fire hall.

The rescue effort focused from the 3100 to 3200 block of Lakefront Drive.  The beach front in that area is underwater.  In spite of a retaining wall, the water has reached the homes.

Erie County Emergency management officials are assisting at the scene.