Fargo gets good news with new flood forecast
Colder Temperatures Cause River to Retreat
By DAVE KOLPACK and JIM SUHR, Google News, March 28, 2009 [here]
FARGO, N.D. (AP) — Fargo’s fears of a catastrophic flood eased Saturday with word that the Red River apparently crested at lower-than-expected levels, and weary residents turned their attention to ensuring their hastily built levees hold up against an onslaught of ice-laden water expected to stay high for at least a week.
National Weather Service meteorologist Mike Hudson said the Red River began receding Saturday morning, surprising residents who were bracing for a crest on Sunday. But the river can still fluctuate up to a foot and may remain at dangerous levels for a week, meaning people will still have to wait several days before they are completely safe.
“The best news we can take from this is the river has crested,” Fargo Mayor Dennis Walaker said. “But diligence is going to have to be required for at least eight more days and hopefully things will continue to drop.”
Forecasters say the river is retreating because cold temperatures have been freezing water that normally would be flowing into the river. By the time that water thaws, the biggest flooding threat should have passed, Hudson said. … [more]