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Communities Prepping Despite Lowered Crest Forecast

By Holly Wagner, WCCO-TV

DELANO, Minn. (WCCO) -- Though no doubt many Minnesotans are beyond through with freezing temperatures by this point in the season, others are breathing easier because of the cold.

Flood crests in Minnesota rivers over the next few days should be lower than predicted, but the extended chill could increase the risk of flooding later this spring.

That isn't stopping many from being prepared for almost anything.

In Wright County, crews put up a dirt levee with concrete barriers along River Street by the Crow River in downtown Delano to protect homes and businesses.

Last night, they closed the Bridge Avenue Bridge because of ice dams.

Wright County's emergency management director Steve Berg said they're watching what's happening upstream closely. He said the cold weather has helped improve the flood forecast.

The latest forecast shows the river will crest about 3 to 4 feet lower than what was predicted earlier in the week. The Crow River is expected to crest Saturday in Delano.

Berg said they will have to keep a close eye on things as the temperatures warm up.

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