News

Red River flooding looks likely

Photo: Jonathan Lenz, Photos.com

Feb 22, 2013 at 6:30 am

FARGO, N.D. (AP) The National Weather Service has dramatically bumped up the chances of major flooding on the Red River near Fargo, but city officials say it should have minimal impact on residents.

Weather service meteorologist Greg Gust says the chance of major flooding in North Dakota's largest city has increased from 6 percent a month ago to 79 percent, based mainly on water content in the snowpack.

Major flood stage in Fargo is 30 feet. There's a 50 percent chance the river will reach 33.2 feet, a 25 percent chance it will hit 35.1 feet and a 5 percent chance of 37.8 feet.

Fargo officials say the city has taken steps to handle major flooding since a record crest in 2009.

The next flood outlook will be released March 7.