Moorhead officials call for volunteers, warn gawkers

Rising crest predictions for the Red River have Moorhead city officials pleading for more help and warning gawkers to stay away from the swollen Red River.

The National Weather Service has raised its crest predictions as a storm system moves into the area. The river is expected to crest between 39 and 41 feet on Friday, a day earlier than expected.

The record flood crest was 39.6 feet in 1997.

Moorhead Mayor Mark Voxland says residents seemed too complacent until today. He says people picked up the pace with sandbagging and other flood prevention measures, but he says much more help is needed.

Clay County Sheriff Bill Bergquist is warning sightseers to stay away from affected areas. He's threatening to put some of them to work or throw them in jail.

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