Flood threat grows in southern, western Minnesota

Rivers and streams in the Northland are running high from rain and melting snow, but to our south and west, concerns about major flooding continue to grow.

Officials in the Fargo–Moorhead area gathered Saturday to assess the threat.
Right now the Red River is at minor flood stage, but it's forecast to reach major flood stage in the next week.

On Saturday morning Fargo city officials approved more than $1 million in additional flood protection work.

Fargo Mayor Dennis Walaker says residents need to know "this is the real thing." He urges them not to procrastinate on flood measures.

For Fargo officials, putting up clay levees in vulnerable parts of the city is a priority. But contractors say the soil is too wet for their equipment.

Sandbags were being filled Saturday, but county administrator Pat Zavoral says more volunteers are needed. The city will likely begin distributing sandbags next week.

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