Red River begins slow decline in Fargo area

Reuters: The Red River on Sunday had started a gradual decline in the Fargo-Moorhead area after reaching a preliminary crest at the fourth-highest level on record with rain storms coming in lighter than expected. "Fortunately, most of the precipitation is coming in as pretty light," said Greg Gust, warning coordination meteorologist for the National Weather Service.

The Red River rose rapidly last week and appeared ready to threaten the 40.84 foot record crest at Fargo of two years ago. However, the rise had slowed considerably by Saturday. The weather service said Sunday the river had reached a preliminary crest in the Fargo-Moorhead area at 38.75 feet Saturday night with prolonged flooding expected.

The Red River had dipped more than two inches by Sunday morning to about 38.53 feet, the weather service said. It was expected to stay above 37 feet until Thursday afternoon…

Fargo, ND, March 24, 2009 -- US Coast Guard flyover to survey the Red River of the North flooding. Photo: Michael Rieger/FEMA