More rain this weekend could cause the Souris River to flow past its already unprecedented level and create even more destruction in an area where thousands of homes have been damaged. The Souris River has risen more than four feet in the past 24 hours, reports CBS Station WCCO. The heaviest rain is expected Saturday evening when the river water is expected to peak.

The water levels have already caused severe flooding in 2,500 homes by Friday evening. About 11,000 residents of Minot’s population have been evacuated. By the time the Souris River crests later this weekend, it is expected the number of homes flooded could rise to nearly 5,000.

Minot hasn’t seen flooding like this since 1881. Mayor Curt Zimbelman told CBS News the worst possibility is a huge downpour this weekend. “A rain event right now would change everything. That's the scariest," Zimbelman said. As of this morning, forecasters predicted a 50:50 chance of significant rain.

More than 90 percent of residents whose homes are threatened do not have flood insurance. Nonetheless, residents are optimistic things won’t get worse and aid has already arrived. FEMA, the National Guard, and other officials are in North Dakota prepared for the worst but hoping for the best.

Read more about the flooding in North Dakota here.

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