Fargo North Dakota Braces for Possible Floods – March 18, 2010
Not uncommon to Fargo, North Dakota, an early spring snowstorm swept into the area which prompted officials to warn local residents that there is a good possibility of flooding along the Red River. The large storm packed winds up to 40 mph and a foot of fresh snow settled on some areas. The river has been sandbagged with well over one million bags already at the most vulnerable locations along its banks, but officials are worried that more pressure on these man-made dikes could prove too much and cause the banks to overflow. T
Fargo’s mayor Dennis Walaker said that he is happy with what city workers and volunteers have done so far to prepare for flooding but he also warned residents that they should remain cautious. The Red River is expected to crest a full 20 feet above flood stage this coming weekend and there is a window of time in which eastern portions of North Dakota as well as western Minnesota will be very susceptible to flooding. Fargo’s levies are in place and ready to go and so far they look stable. The National Weather Service has said that it expects the Red River to rise once again in the middle of April as warmer air melts the new snow.
A portion of Interstate 94 in southeastern North Dakota is covered by water from overland flooding, prompting the state highway patrol to tell motorists to drive slowly in that area. Up to four inches of water is covering both lanes between Valley City and Fargo. While many residents are planning on getting out and heading for dry land, some local Fargo residents have said they will stay and beat the swelling river. Many people have canoes, row boats and kayaks tied up outside their homes-expecting the worst. In a few Fargo neighborhoods, several residents took government money and relocated out of the area during the past few years. Considering the uneasiness now, it is sure that many of the current homeowners may be asking themselves why they turned down the government buy-outs themselves.
If you are a resident of Fargo and live in a low lying area or along the Red River, you should busy yourself doing what you can in order to avoid having your home filled with unwanted flood water. It is important that you listen to the local news and weather reports and if advised, to evacuate as quickly as possible. Many homeowners are busy filling their own sandbags so that they can stack them around their homes with hopes of keeping the river water out of their homes.
