Evacuations as Fargo Faces Record Flooding

Also, Fargo officials issued a mandatory evacuation in the River Vili and Riverview Estates areas in South Fargo. There are 35-40 homes in the River Vili neighborhood. Riverview Estates is a senior living center. The Fargo Police Department, Fire Department and National Guard are on the scene assisting residents. The evacuation was determined necessary after longitudinal cracks were found in the earthen levy built to protect the area from flood waters. Residents are not in immediate danger but are being evacuated as a safety precaution until the situation can be assessed and appropriate measures can be taken.

The National Weather Service said the Red River would reach 41 feet Saturday in the Fargo, N.D., area, which saw a devastating flood in 1997 when the Red River crested at 39.7 feet. AccuWeather.com said freezing temperatures might slow flooding by halting snow melt.

American Red Cross has opened shelters in Red River Valley. Over 50,000 ready-to-eat meals in place, as well as cots, blankets.

In Moorhead, Clay County District Court cancels next week's hearings as authorities set up emergency operations command center at courthouse.