Looking a Bit Ominous

Let me just clarify that the weather we have been receiving in the past couple weeks is atypical North Dakota winter/spring weather. I have lived in ND for the last 28 years, my whole life, and have never seen weather like this before.

Last night, we received a couple inches of rain with 40-50mph wind gusts. At 3am I was shaken from a deep slumber due to a rattling noise coming from the top of my house. I thought it was possibly a loose gutter, but as far as I can see, everything is still intact. The noise is still present, but not as bad as it was this morning.

This flood was the topic of conversation all over work today. Many teachers were absent, dealing with flood issues around their own homes as some of them live close to the Red River. Many people were discussing whether or not it was going to be as bad as or worse than the 97 flood. The way I look at it, a lot of preparedness has taken place and it's just a race against the clock now.

This afternoon I played with my sump pump a little, trying to see if it worked. I filled the whole with water, well over the sump pump, and knew something wasn't right. I then asked my uncle in town if he would be willing to come take a look at it. He determined it was dead, helped me pick out a new one, and installed it for me. I will sleep better tonight knowing that my sump pump works. I am truly grateful for his help.


Currently, the entire state of ND is under a Flood Warning. On top of that, a snow storm bringing a possible 8-10 inches is expected to hit in in the next day or so.


The Missouri River, that runs through Bismarck, is also increasing at a rapid pace. My parents, who live not too far off the river just south of Bismarck, chose to stay in town with relatives tonight. A voluntary evacuation was given to those who live in that area. Supposedly the canal that runs just south of their house had water levels about a foot from the road, which is extremely unusual.

This weather on top of these conditions is looking a bit ominous. It's pouring rain again right now. And, I hear thunder.

I am not liking this weather. one. bit.