There have been rumors going around for a couple of months now about if we were going to flood or we weren't going to flood. The National Weather Service has said that there is a high chance that it will still flood in Western, West-Central, and in the south-central part of the state even with the recent dry spell. It also said that the flood risk is lower than it was 2 weeks ago, but the risk could go up again with more snow or rain. The governor, John Hoeven, has released a statement that says he will ask President Barack Obama to declare a presidential emergency which is different than a presidential disaster declaration, he also says that it would free up a lot of federal money to help with the preparations of anticipated Spring flooding. The Fargo city officials have released a flood evacuation guide to the public that is available on the internet. The Army Corp of Engineers has been studying 2 earthen dikes in Williston and Fort Yates, these are used to store excess water from the Mississippi River during times of high water, they have both been given the rating of moderate flood protection. The Corps spokesperson has released a statement, the two dikes present no immediate danger to the public, but the corps will implement risk-reduction measures at both areas to warrant if there is more work that is needed. The measures will included updated emergency action plans and training exercises. http://news.google.com/news/search?aq=f&um=1&cf=all&ned=us&hl=en&q=North++Dakota+flooding
According to Steve Urness on newsdakota.com, North Dakota congressman Earl Pomeroy visited Valley City officials to get their input on how FEMA can provide better assistance to the community during and after flooding. Pomeroy says he intends to pass along the city officials' concerns and input to FEMA administrator Greg Fugate. Pomeroy stated that he is more worried about severe flood protection than his upcoming re-election in November. In this article it says the National Weather Service is expecting it to flood on the James and Sheyenne rivers. The Bald Hill Dam manager, Rich Scheuneman showed Pomeroy and the city officials aerial views of the Upper Basin of the Sheyenne that show the snow pack and moisture content are close in relation to last year. On Friday there was another flood forecast released for our region. http://www.newsdakota.com/favicon.ico
In preparation of the next flood, citizens of Fargo have been sandbagging since March 1st, and are getting them stockpiled just in case of another serious flood. Inmates, city officials, and volunteers are part of the people that have been doing this. Fargo is at risk for 90% flooding, and 19% record flooding. Midwest prepares for flooding
I just heard the other day that people think its supposed to start flooding by next Friday, the 19th. Whether or not this is true, who knows. I hate to say it, but I think some people are in denial. I'm not even from Valley City, and I personally think it will flood this spring. It may not be as bad as last year, because I think we would be more prepared for it, but chanes are it will flood. I think its a great thing that those big important people like Hoeven, along with city officials and such are trying to take this as seriously as they can. Shows they care and shows what North Dakota is really about.
ReplyDeleteI am very glad that North Dakota cities are getting prepared for possible flooding this spring. No one knows for sure if it will happen, but being prepared is always better than being caught by surprise. Because many cities are so prepared, I do not believe it will be as bad this year if flooding occurs. The city officials are more experienced now, and are more apt to make the best decisions for the city.
ReplyDeleteo isn't this going to be lovely news when we get back from Spring Break. I guess the break comes at a good time so the students(the flood fighters) get a little rest and relaxation before busting our busts for a month and half. so far predictions are not as bad as they were last year, but this rain that we have received this week so far is not a good sign. I was walking across the foot bridge to the store the other day and noticed multiple open spots of ice on the river. Plus if you take a look down at the Old Mill bridge/dam the ice is starting to build up down there. Not a good sign at all. Just remember when you come back to bring your chest waiters and galoshes.
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