How High's the water Momma?

[Ghosth]

Hanging in there, still high and dry, hard part now is the waiting.

[james]

I hope you have enough fingernail left by the time this is over. Stay safe sir.
<S>

[Nilsen]

gl Ghost!

[Hajo]

Good luck Ghosth.  Prayers offered for you and the residents of Fargo.

[Ghosth]

40.8 and rising much much slower.

Fargo is Surreal, 6 block's from the river and this town is dead quiet.
Hardly any traffic on the streets, its like a ghost town.

Had a couple of nice National Guardsmen posted on our corner yesterday directing traffic.
And only letting emergency vehicles and Sandbags/buses on the one way.
I walked out and offered coffee, bathroom, and a place to warm up.
He just grinned and said we're fine, but sure thank you for the offer.

<S> for all you National Guards people, keep up the good work, we appreciate it!

Hard part now is just waiting.

 

[Ghosth]

I just watched a city of Fargo flood meeting. Wow, the very best of American Government at work.

Each Department had a chance to report problems, concerns, discussion happens, resources were allocated, and they would move on to the next dept.

Best news for me personally, Waste Water reports NO problems keeping up. Crucial lift stations have backup pumps AND generators standing by if they are needed. So they anticipate no problems holding and keeping things running at the current level.

All of which is a huge relief, flood water is bad enough, but sewer backing into your basement is I think my wife's biggest fear.

Spirits were much lighter, where 2 days ago all was gloom and doom, but they were determined to soldier on.
Today spirits are high, we've seen the worst the river has thrown at us so far, and we have met its challenge and we are HOLDING IT!

Sandbag crews originally thought they had 3 weeks to make 1 million sandbags.
They actually put out over 3 million sandbags in just 7 days.

Those operations are on hold for now, we have reserve bags in heated storage area's.
As well as big 1 ton sand "balloons" that can be dropped my helicopter into a breach.

Individuals were cracking jokes and teasing each other, still deadly serious business, but much more confident that they can beat this.

Governor Hoven commented that he's seen a lot of city's fight a lot of water.
But when it all comes down on the line that Fargo is the "A" Team. They get more done, smoother, and easier than anyplace else he's ever seen. And they do it with style and grace, and amazing professionalism.

Makes a guy proud to live here.

So all fears reduced if not removed, crews monitoring the dikes 24 hours a day. Emergency response teams ready to rush into action. I really feel confident that we are going to come though this. If not untouched, at least unharmed. We are just coming into the halftime show of this flood watch, we still have at least a week to get through before things really start returning to normal.

But we remain high, dry, and of good spirit. I really can not put into words how much all the concerns, offers of help, thoughts and prayers have helped.  Thank you!

[Curval]

"Makes a guy proud to live here."

You deserve that based upon what I've seen on TV.  Good luck.

[Sincraft]

Disinfecting wipes, can goods that don't need cooking and water my friend.
That freezer isn't going to do you much good if you can't use what is in it because it is going to spoil or you have no means to cook it.

Get you some thick plastic bags to hold the cans in, tie them tight at the top and pop a couple cheap can openers in them.  Enough for about 5 days if need be.  Water is essential, 1 gallon polar water jugs unopened.
Wipes to keep the bacteria down.  If you can, some vitamin D and C to help with infection.

Nothing is clean after a flood.  If you get a flood, do yourself a favor and GUT everything touched by water. Flood water is uber toxic and will create a toxic environment for years and years if you don't clean it right. 


Immediate survival, water and food
Post survival, healthy habitat.

And finally.  and good luck to you and yours!

[Ghosth]

Guardedly optimistic is the word of the day. River levels have peaked, and dropped slightly.
Fights not over yet, but so far we've taken all she can throw at us and we are still here.

We are still sitting here high and dry, and looking like we are very likely to stay that way.

[Simaril]

 

[Meatwad]

Glad to hear things are doing pretty good up there. Stay safe and dry!

[Simaril]

Read about now contained dike breach, in the early morning hours. You still in the clear, bud?

[Masherbrum]

http://www.inforum.com/event/photogallery/id/1516/

Ghost, we talked Thursday for about an Hour and it was great to finally "get down to a more personal level."   We're still praying for all in your area.   Some of these pictures are "powerful."

I'll give you a call tomorrow.   

[Ghosth]

Still high and dry folks!

Sounds like Fema and Homeland security are pressuring to have us give up and evacuate.
Mayer W says "you don't know our people here and what they can do" said we are not giving up when we have the fight won.

So with all due respect to all concerned, "Here is where we are standing, and when the river goes down we will still be standing here!"

We did lose Oak Grove School last night, which was a tough one, as they had extensive damage after the 97 flood and spent millions updating, renovating, and building permanent protection.  But, the contingency dike behind the school is holding, and it saved many many houses. Just don't see how anyone can second guess our city's leadership when they are doing this fantastic a job. And doing it under severe pressure, and showing nothing but superb professionalism, style and grace.

Mayer W may not be a very good politician, but DANG it the man is good in a crunch.

As for us we stand here high, dry, and determined to win this fight. I thought I was proud yesterday to be from Fargo, today I do not have the words to express how I feel. My faith in these simple, good hearted hard working people knows no bounds. We SHALL survive.

[james]

Drove up and down the levees today. Covering from 50thS to 94N. Saw a lot of determination and good spirits today. Saw the ice about a foot up from the water in a lot of the river. Also saw the winter storm warning. Hoping it passes us over tonight. I cannot believe the amount of different agencies and equipment brought to bear on the area. I saw a lot of homes with their sandbags holding. I will be here for a while. I have no qualms about staying until its over. This area is beautiful.