MINOT, N.D. (The Forum) – All Minot residents outside the evacuation areas in the valley are being told to evacuate this afternoon as the projected crest for the Souris River may be 3 feet higher than earlier forecasts, the Minot Police Department said in a news relesae.

The Broadway Bridge from University to the Burdick Expressway also has been closed and motorists are being asked to use the bypass.

In a 12:45 p.m. news release titled “Urgent” by the Police Department:

“Preliminary reports from the Corps has upped the releases from Lake Darling to 18,000 cfs as of noon today and will go to 22,000 cfs today at 6:00 pm, and to 28,000 cfs tomorrow. This could raise the projected elevations from 1563 to 1566 at Broadway Bridge, and throughout the valley by two – three feet.

All residents outside the evacuation areas in the valley need to immediately begin the evacuation process. Water from Lake Darling to Minot is moving with more velocity, so peaks are expected to hit Minot within 24 hours of the increased releases.”

For perspective, the Red River’s peak flow through Fargo-Moorhead during the record flood of 2009 was 29,500 cfs.

Story courtesy The Forum

BREAKING NEWS: Higher crest widens Minot evacuations, closes major bridge [The Forum]