Now is the time to consider flood insurance, commissioner warns

March 20--BISMARCK -- North Dakota's insurance commissioner is encouraging residents who face major flooding to be prepared.

The warning from commissioner Jon Godfread comes ahead of spring flooding, with parts of northeast North Dakota, especially near Grafton, Devils Lake and in Cavalier and Pembina counties, having the highest potential for flooding in the U.S., according to the National Weather Service. Devils Lake is expected to rise 3 to 4 feet, putting nearly 40,000 acres of land at risk. Grafton will likely see major flooding and has a 25 percent chance of seeing a record-setting flood. The Park River in Grafton had a record crest of 16.16 feet in May 2013.

The major flood stage for the river begins at 14.5 feet, which the river should surpass later this spring. It's possible the river could rise as high as 19.7 feet.

Devils Lake, which is expected to see record runoff, could begin to rapidly rise from April into May, averaging a half-foot or more per week before it peaks, possibly above the June 2011 record elevation of 1,454.3 feet, according to the weather service.

The flood risk reduces to the south along the Red River, as there is little to no snow left south of Grand Forks.

Godfread warned residents in a news release that traditional homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage. When residents sign up for flood insurance, it takes 30 days to kick in, Godfread said in the release.

"I urge all North Dakotans to take the time to learn about how they can better protect themselves and their property from the destruction brought on by a flood," he said, adding it is "a critical time of year for consumers to talk to their insurance agent about their policy's limits and what other coverage options they have."

Flood insurance is available to homeowners, renters and businesses through the National Flood Insurance Program, which is managed by the Federal Emergency Management Administration.

The weather service may release an updated flood outlook on Friday.

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