Flooding In Fargo Eases But Winter Storm Moves In

FARGO, N.D. (AP) - The Red River is slowly dropping but the weather will pose a new threat in Fargo, North Dakota.

Forecasters expect a wintry storm to bring snow and gusty winds. One meteorologist says the region is in for "a full-blown blizzard."

The wind could be the biggest problem, churning up waves and straining Fargo's hastily fortified sandbag levees.

The Red River dropped to 39 1/2 feet early Monday -- less than record highs set earlier in the week but still nearly 22 feet above flood stage.

City officials say they'll breathe easier when the river falls to 37 feet or lower. That's expected by Saturday.

Fargo's water and sewer plants are right next to the river, and are protected by a secondary dike system. City Administrator Pat Zavoral says if they're lost "the city is uninhabitable."

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