Moorhead, Fargo prepare for spring flooding

FARGO, N.D. (AP) -- While Fargo residents are preparing to place more than a million sandbags to prepare for a possible 38-foot Red River flood crest, their neighbors across the river are looking at a much easier chore.

Moorhead, Minn., officials say they will only need 33,000 sandbags at that level.

The National Weather Service says the river has a 50-50 chance of reaching 38 feet in Fargo-Moorhead, which would be 20 feet above flood stage. Engineers typically add 2 feet of cushion in their flood preparations.

Moorhead officials say only seven households would need sandbags at 38 feet.

Fargo has 750,000 sandbags in storage and there are plans to make 500,000 more bags. The city plans to open so-called "Sandbag Central" on April 3.

Moorhead has 400,000 sandbags in reserve.

Gallery

Fullscreen SlideshowPrevious Slide

1 of 1

Next Slide