But the hardy Edgecumbe resident says he knows what he's doing and doesn't feel he's in any danger.
Despite the record high level and gaping stopbank breach Street had watched the river slowly recede throughout the morning.
"The water has gone down a foot since 7.30am and that's a good sign," Street said.
Water was still seeping through a point in the stopbank around 500m from his home but his road was not affected by flooding yet.
"I'm ready to go in a flash if I need to, but this house is on solid foundations that is up off the ground."
"The whole of Edgecumbe would have to be under water before this house goes under."
However, crunch time would be later this afternoon with high tide and that has him a little worried.
"Everything is looking pretty hunky dory at the moment but the D-Day is 3pm," he said.
"Where I live, even on a nice day, the river banks up just under a metre because it's tidal.
"I'm hoping it will keep receding and the level will act as a buffer zone."
Street said if that happened he would flee but at this point he was confident the stopbanks were holding near his property and he was safe.
