Don’t light the cigar yet: Fargo officials stress it’s too early to celebrate flood victory

Fargo officials: Don’t celebrate flood victory yet

FARGO, N.D. — Fargo, N.D., officials are stressing that it is too early to celebrate even though they’re confident that the city has been able to fight back the swelling Red River.

Homeowners checking on piles of sandbags and National Guard soldiers inspecting clay dikes breathed a sigh of relief Saturday, saying they didn’t see any immediate problems.

City officials even passed out cigars that they said they would light — but not until Sunday’s expected crest was over.

City crews were turning their attention to cleaning up debris in low-lying neighborhoods. But Fargo’s mayor warned that residents shouldn’t start taking down flood barriers just yet.

The river is expected to crest at 19.5 feet above the flood stage on Sunday.