Area emergency managers learn from weather experts

Emergency Managers from across the state are preparing for the what-ifs and learning from weather experts this year's risk factors for flooding.

With the lack of snowfall, it may seem as though we are safe from spring flooding. But officials warn that the threat still hasn't gone away.

Greg Gust – National Weather Service: "In Fargo, we still have a 15% chance of getting to major flood stage."

Weather experts came to Fargo to teach emergency managers how quickly the weather can change.

Allen Schlag – National Weather Service: "I'd say we are at a slightly higher risk of some minor flooding simply because those prairie potholes being full."

Hydrologists broke down factors that contribute to the Red River's level, like more row crops, and larger roadside ditches.

Allen Schlag: "We have effectively figured out how to get water to rivers faster."

Statistics show we are on track to have a tame spring, but emergency managers are being careful in case our weather quickly changes.

In the next few days of meetings emergency managers will also learn new flood fighting techniques and tools.

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