Fargo Faces Second Crest
After surviving a record crest in late March, residents in the Fargo-Moorhead area face another Red River crest as officials expect one of its tributaries to flood.
The Sheyenne River, a tributary of the Red River, is expected to flood, causing a second crest for the Red River that is forecasted to be 38 feet to 40 feet by next weekend.
“They’re watching the Sheyenne move a section at a time, knowing that it’s going to get to them,” Cass County Engineer Keith Berndt said to the Associated Press in a Star Tribune article.
The Red River first crested at a record, nearly 41 feet late last month. Residents worked to place sandbags atop the levees, and were largely successful in their efforts. The two cities were able to avoid major damage for the most part.
Cass County Sheriff Paul Laney told the Associated Press that county officials have called in the Coast Guard to assist in preparations for possible evacuations in the area, whether using air boats or helicopters.
Officials evacuated North Dakota Veterans Home in the town of Lisbon, located near the Sheyenne River.
Administrator Mark Johnson told the Associated Press that it might be the first time in the veterans home’s 117-year history that they have had to evacuate due to a flood.
The home is protected by a dike and sandbags, but a bridge close to the home is at a low point along the Sheyenne River, possibly causing it to be blocked by the water.