Snowmelt, heavy rainfall cause major flooding in Northern Plains
Storm systems over the next week could produce additional heavy rainfall
Flood Warning remains in effect for Minnesota and North Dakota
Flood Warning still in effect for Minnesota and North Dakota until further notice. Rivers are at moderate to major flood stages in the Northern Plains.
GRAND FORKS, N.D. – River and low-land flooding continues across large parts of eastern North Dakota and western Minnesota as residents see the impacts of recent snowmelt and heavy rainfall.
The National Weather Service reports moderate to major flooding is ongoing along the Red River near Grand Forks, North Dakota and is likely to impact areas downstream over the next several days.
Due to the flooding, North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum issued an emergency around the Sheyenne and Red River basins.
Major flooding was reported along the Red River.
(FOX Weather)
Several roads in along the Red River and Canadian border region are reported to be closed due to high water and washouts.
HOW TO WATCH FOX WEATHER ON TV
Waterways are expected to crest shy of records set during the historic flood of 1997 that caused more than $3 billion in damage.
Aerial video: Flooding along the Red River in northwestern Minnesota
Helicopter footage shows flooding taking place along the Red River north of Oslo, Minnesota. (Video: David Singewald/Fred Remer via TMX)
A recent flyover by a pilot showed miles of mostly rural farm lands underwater around Oslo, Minnesota.
Officials are paying close attention to the Baldhill Dam in North Dakota where areas around Valley City and West Fargo won’t reach major flood status until next week.
Expected rain over the weekend could exacerbate flooding issues along tributaries that lead to the Red River.
Meteorologists warn accumulations of over an inch of new rainfall could cause additional crests and keep water levels high for an extended time period.
Expected rainfall over the next several days.
(FOX Weather)