Fargo Flood Watch 2009 (part 8)

Lots of updates for everyone:

• The Feds arrived in the region today in the form of FEMA and the Department of Homeland Security (for some reason). Hopefully they arrived late enough that they can't get in the way too much.
• Parts of Moorhead and Fargo near the Red River are under evacuation orders today. Leaky dikes are to blame in Fargo; the move is being called precautionary. Moorhead is in more dire straits.
• The river is still expected to crest sometime tonight or early tomorrow between 41 and 42 feet. If that pans out, everyone will breathe a big sigh of relief because...
• Fargo officials are confident enough in our flood fighting prowess that they called off sandbagging operations as of 6:00 pm.
• As far as I know, all my friends and coworkers are relatively safe, either by dint of being on higher ground or having sufficient dikes in place to protect their homes.
• There's a ban on travel in the city today. To help give people a reason not to drive, all non essential businesses (hospitals, grocery stores) were asked to remain closed today.
• Donna and I are good; there have been no sewage/storm drain problems which is the only thing we're really worried about in our area. Fargo mayor Dennis Wallaker stated today that the system looked normal and wasn't showing any signs of strain. Amazing if true, but we'll take it.
• Macy is supposed to be with me tonight, but because I can't get to Moorhead to get her she is going to stay with her mother tonight. Hopefully I can get her tomorrow.
• School has already been cancelled for all of next week because...
• There is a big storm brewing that should hit south of us some time early next week. This is bad because the Red River has to be different and flow northward. More precipitation south of us is a bad thing. No word yet on what this means.
• I didn't do much flood fighting today because of the travel ban. Donna and I walked to a nearby school that is being used as a temporary shelter to see if they needed help/supplies/whatever. We were turned away by the Red Cross and told to go to the main office to register and await instructions. Did I mention we can't drive anywhere?
• Not sure what happens tomorrow; if I can help anywhere (and get there) I will go out to help. Otherwise, it's just wait-and-see.