Burgum declares statewide flood emergency

Gov. Doug Burgum issued an executive order on Monday, April 10 declaring a statewide emergency for spring flooding. Soaring temperatures and heavy snowpack were expected to produce widespread flooding across the state last week and this week, especially in eastern North Dakota.

The executive order officially put all state agencies, including the North Dakota National Guard, on standby to provide resources and capabilities as needed.

The State Emergency Operations Plan was also activated to assist local and tribal officials, alleviate hardships, implement appropriate recovery actions and future mitigation measures, and facilitate restoration of services and infrastructure.

In addition, legislative leaders planned to propose $2 million for natural disaster response and recovery funding as an amendment to the Office of the Adjutant General’s budget.

“As citizens prepare for the worst and hope for the best in communities and rural areas across North Dakota, the Legislature stands fully ready to support the state’s flood response and recovery efforts,” House Majority Leader Mike Lefor and Senate Majority Leader David Hogue said in a joint statement.

At least six counties – Cass, Dickey, Grand Forks, LaMoure, Pembina and Richland – have issued emergency declarations to address flooding and storm impacts, and additional counties are considering declarations.

Flood outlooks issued by the National Weather Service point to the potential for significant river, tributary and overland flooding in the Missouri, James, Sheyenne and Red river basins, with Top 10 flood crests possible in many locations. With the emergency declaration now in place, the state Department of Emergency Services will continue to partner with local agencies on flood preparation and response efforts.

On April 4, Burgum signed a bill passed by the Legislature that provides $20 million for emergency snow removal grants to eligible tribal governments, counties, cities and townships.

A flood warning was issued for Foster and Wells County on Wednesday evening, as rain was forecast for the area Thursday and Friday. Eddy County was under a Hazardous Weather Outlook, as the chance of rain here was much less.  

Nevertheless, conditions can change rapidly. North Dakota residents are urged to prepare for flooding before it happens, including determining whether they’re in a floodplain and identifying the fastest way to higher ground and which nearby roads are most likely to flood. For more information, visit http://www.weather.gov/flood.