Another Blizzard Threatens Flood Victims and Workers (VIDEO)

Despite some good luck, flooding will persist well into next week, displacing residents and changing the lives and routines of many.

Image and video courtesy: Accuweather.com

(STATE COLLEGE, Pa.) - Following a miserably cold weekend, the many workers and volunteers combating the floodwaters along the Red River and other waterways across the northern Plains may face yet another blizzard early next week.

For the residents and volunteers in Fargo, there is some good news, however. It appears the Red River crested Friday night just shy of 41 feet and should not fluctuate by more than a foot into early next week. The river was previously expected to reach 43 feet, which could have had dire consequences.

Despite this stroke of luck, flooding will persist well into next week, displacing residents and changing the lives and routines of many.

Early-Week Blizzard Potential

A storm expected to emerge from the northern Rockies late Sunday will produce heavy snow, wind or perhaps an all-out blizzard across the Dakotas through the early part of the week. While the worst conditions could bypass to the south of Fargo, the city is still in the running for some heavy snow.

While snow will be much-preferred over heavy rain, it will add to the misery of those battling or worrying about flooding. That snow will eventually melt, and its water will flow into the river systems. The additional rain and melting snow could lead to a secondary rise on some rivers, or at least further slow their rate of fall.

Risks for those not Evacuating

In light of voluntary and mandatory evacuations, there are risks involved for those "waiting it out" and working to save lives.

Frigid temperatures and near 32-degree water are posing risks of hypothermia for rescuers, workers and evacuees in flooded areas. The combination of wind and actual temperatures are making for near and below zero AccuWeather RealFeel® temperatures.

When flood waters eventually recede, cleanup may be hampered at times by chunks of ice, fuel oil odor and other contaminants. What the water didn't damage, ice and chemical residue will.

How Long Can Levees Hold?

There are multiple issues facing the levees along the Red River and other areas. The thawing ground and moisture from nearby flood waters is saturating the soil in some locations at the base of the levees. There is a risk of water boiling up from underneath the levee, causing it to wash out from bottom up.

Despite valiant sandbagging efforts, water may simply top the levee, causing it to wash out. In addition, the cold weather has caused sheets of ice to form on some stretches of flood waters. If ice can tear open a ship's hull, it can rip apart sand bags.

Catch this video from Fargo with Kate Fehlinger showing the flooding and how people are fighting the river:

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