Grand Forks Crest Unknown

GRAND FORKS, N.D. (AP) - National Weather Service officials say

the Red River's rapid rise will start to flatten soon, but they do

not yet know when it will crest in Grand Forks.

Meteorologist Brad Bramer says earlier news reports of a crest

in the city of between 47 and 49 feet early next week are not

accurate. He says there is the potential the river could go higher.

Grand Forks is protected by a $400 million dike system build

after the record flood of 1997, when the river crested at 54.35

feet.

But two bridges connecting Grand Forks with East Grand Forks,

Minn., are being closed Thursday because the rising river will make

approaches impassable. The Greenway along the river also has been

closed to the public.

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