Waiting for the Crest

Things got dark on Thursday in the Fargo/Moorhead community.

Some mandatory evacuations were issued. Some homeowners surrendered to the might Red. There were giant lulls between sandbagging efforts. The predicted Saturday crest level went up again from forty-one to an estimated forty-two, potentially forty-three, feet. A home in the Oakport area, on the Minnesota side, caught fire and burned, unable to be reached by any fire department. The community was drained and deflated, close to giving in.

But Friday was a new day.

Sandbagging continued. Reserve sandbags were made. Dikes were raised in most locations. New strength was found as the bad news that broke so regularly the day before now was just a bump in the road. For the first time it seemed hopeful that the river may be held at bay.

Friday night the crest day was moved back to Sunday granting a few precious hours before the final push. Overnight the river actually dropped a tenth of a foot.

Even considering the lack of bad news on Friday, Saturday will be the most difficult day. With much of the preparation done, the community must wait for the crest tomorrow, a crest that will last up to seven days. And the uncertainty of waiting often times can be more difficult that filling, throwing, or placing sandbags.