Minot, North Dakota

An areal Flood Watch has been issued for Monday afternoon through
Friday for the potential for overland and river flooding across
southwest and south central North Dakota.

Significantly warmer weather is forecast Tuesday through Friday
across the area with high temperatures generally between 45 and
50... and potentially in the mid 50s in the southwest. The warmer
weather is expected to be accompanied by overnight lows around or
only slightly below freezing. This will not significantly inhibit
melting. The effect will be to increase the snow melt across the
southwest and south central... where melting has been on going for
the past few days... and heighten overland and river flooding
concerns.

The risk of overland flooding is generally south of the town of
Washburn... in areas along the Missouri River valley and areas east
of the Missouri River to and including the James River Valley.
Also of concern is the southwest... where temperatures in the low
to mid 50s will impact snow melt considerably.

The primary concern will be overland flooding attributed to
plugged culverts and surface drainages which back up enough water
to top local roadways. Water will also be reaching streams and
rivers this week and significant river rises are expected. This
includes Apple Creek near Menoken... Beaver Creek near Linton... the
Cannonball near Breien... the little Missouri near Marmarth... the
James and knife rivers and Pipestem creek areas.

Now is the time to finalize preparations for potential flooding.