Weather Service Lowers Crest Prediction in Fargo

FARGO, N.D. (AP) - Fargo officials plan to scale back flood protection efforts after a lower Red River crest prediction by the National Weather Service.

The weather service on Wednesday updated its forecast to show the range of the river peak to be between 38 and 40 feet, down a couple of feet from earlier predictions. Forecasters say the revision is due mostly to an ideal melt cycle and expectations for below-normal precipitation.

Fargo officials say there's still work to be done to protect properties, but the lower crest prediction should lower the number of sandbags needed from 1.8 million to about 400,000.

It's the fourth major flood in five years for the Fargo and Moorhead, Minn., area.

City and county officials have scheduled a 5 p.m. flood briefing Wednesday to update strategy.