March 16, 2009
AP
The latest weather service outlook projects major flooding for most of the basin, including the cities of Fargo and Grand Forks. It says "the magnitude of the expected flooding has not been seen in several years."
Photo: Smoke and flames rise from the Security Building in April 1997, in Grand Forks, N.D., just hours after the rampaging Red River flooded the downtown area. Forecasters fear that Red River floods this spring could approach those from 1997. (By John Doman, AP)
Forecasters say there's a 50% chance the Red will crest in Fargo at 38.6 feet and a 90% chance it will crest at 36.5 feet. Flood stage is 18 feet.
The weather service projects a 50% chance the Red in Grand Forks will crest at around 50.5 feet and a 90% chance it will hit 47.9 feet. Flood stage there is 28 feet.
The river topped 54 feet in Grand Forks during the 1997 flood disaster that swamped the city and led to the building of a dike system to protect against another flood of that magnitude.
FIND MORE STORIES IN: National Weather Service | Fargo | Grand Forks | Red River Basin
Cities along the river already have declared flood emergencies to free up resources for flood fighting. The basin is recovering from a blizzard that dumped 10 inches of snow in the Fargo area earlier this week.
http://www.usatoday.com/weather/floods/2009-03-13-red-river-flooding_N.htm