Mayors warn people not to over react about flooding

Fargo, ND (WDAY TV) - The Red River is on the rise again. By this Tuesday, it's expected to be above flood stage, cresting at 20 feet. Now come the questions: who and what will be affected, and does the city need to do anything to prepare?

When the Red hits 20 feet, the mayors of Fargo and Moorhead say streets, homes and other property really won't be affected. The only precaution taken so far was removing the floating bridge that connects Fargo to Moorhead. Right now, they say the rising water is really just affecting people's morale.

“It’s stretching people's nerves a little bit, they remember last fall, and it wasn't that long ago. They obviously remember last spring, so they're wondering, is this the same thing that happened last time?”

Area leaders want to remind people that a wet fall is only one piece of the flooding puzzle and not to over-react too early.

“I don't worry about anything until it happens, there's too many other things going on in the world today.”

The city of Fargo will make no preparations for next week's crest. As usual, Elm Street will probably close down, but other than that, the city should stay dry.

“If it was going to go over 20 feet, there are some gates that we would have to close where the water will back in to the city through the storm sewer and turn off the lift station.”

Moorhead sits higher, and doesn't have to start worrying until the river reaches the 34 to 35 foot mark.

“We won't be doing anything, it won't affect anybody, and it’s something that we see after 5 or 6 days of rain, even in the summer.”

In the long run, both cities have a game plan. Fargo has between a quarter and a half-million sandbags on hand. Moorhead can get sand and bags to fill very quickly.

“January’s early enough, even February’s early enough, to start the process. I mean we're always ready to go to war with the river, and we understand that.”

The mayors say from here on out, it's really just a wait and see game. They say there are so many factors that contribute to a spring flood, and the best they can do is to be vigilant and keep a close eye on the sky, and the river level, and go from there.