FARGO, N.D. (AP) — A weeklong fight against flooding is nearing its climax in Fargo, N.D., with miles of sandbags and clay dikes in place to fight back the bloated Red River.
City officials and residents have been on the brink of declaring victory. They are ready to move out of flood fighting mode as the river in eastern North Dakota and western Minnesota is expected to crest Sunday at 19 feet over the flood stage.
Residents are hoping for mostly dry weather to speed the river's fall by week's end. The forecast is cooperating so far, with only a small chance of rain in sight Tuesday.
Still, Fargo Mayor Dennis Walaker (WAH'-lah-kehr) has been warning people not to begin dismantling sandbag dikes too soon. He says a river rises much faster than it falls.
