Flood-weary Fargo hopes Red River will crest today

FARGO, N.D. - They passed out cigars in Fargo yesterday, but no matches just yet, as a flood-weary city that's spent the last week getting ready to hold back the Red River cautiously prepared to celebrate what appeared to be a successful defense against the swollen waterway.

The river continued to inch upward toward an expected crest today a few feet below last year's record, to be followed by a quick and steady drop. As they waited, Fargo's residents turned their attention to cleaning up debris in low-lying neighborhoods where more than a million sandbags held back the waters, with some taking a break for basketball.

"It's been actually quite relaxing, compared to last year," said Fargo resident Jim Papacek.

Papacek had been so worried earlier this year about the prospect of flooding that he rented an apartment on higher ground away from the river and moved much of his furniture into it, just in case he had to evacuate. But yesterday, the retired teacher sat in his mostly empty living room looking out at the river, which had flooded part of his yard but hadn't reached his house.

In Fargo and Moorhead, flooding has so far been limited mostly to areas along the Red River, where 3-feet-high piles of sandbags that stretch for miles have prevented the water from reaching homes and other buildings. Some yards, bike paths, a baseball diamond and golf course have flooded - but without major damage.

In rural areas outside Fargo, more widespread overland flooding has submerged several farm fields and washed out a few roads.

Though Fargo's mayor cautioned against celebrating too early, he was among the city officials handing out cigars at a meeting early yesterday. They were told to wait until after today's crest to light them.

There is a chance the river could later threaten homes and roads, especially if any of the clay levees are breached or if there is heavy rain in April. Mayor Dennis Walaker warned residents not to take down any flood barriers even as the city began cleaning up the surplus plastic, plywood and unused sandbags.

- AP