VALLEY CITY, N.D. — The latest flood forecast from the National Weather Service puts Valley City in the spotlight.
Forecasters expect the Sheyenne River to reach major flood stage in Valley City sometime after the rainfall on Sunday night, Oct 20.
The Baldhill Dam will need to increase the amount of water it releases into the Sheyenne River, according to the weather service. The flood forecast shows the river reaching major flood stage in Valley City on Thursday, Oct. 24, and cresting there at almost 18 feet next weekend.
On Wednesday, emergency workers in Valley City told WDAY News that the city was preparing for 18 feet of water. City leaders said thanks to their permanent floodwalls, they do not need sandbags. It was noted by many longtime residents that these river levels are normal for spring, but they couldn't recall it getting this high in the fall.
The weather service report shows Oslo, Minn., will stay in major flood stage along the Red River. It puts the North Dakota cities of Grand Forks, Drayton and Pembina in moderate flood stage, and Fargo is forecast to remain in minor flood stage. It says many roads around the Oslo area are still closed. Drivers are urged to pay attention to road closure signs and to not drive on flooded roads.
ADVERTISEMENT
The weather service report notes that the flood levels are record breaking in many areas for this time of year. No all-time records are expected to be broken. Those are usually set in the spring.
