Amanda Ripley Author of The Unthinkable

The Red River seems to be retreating, but Fargo residents are staring down a fierce snow storm (14-inches of snow and wind-whipped waves are among the biggest concerns), which could worsen flooding.

Why is this happening? And how could things be different? It seems that Fargoans decided long ago that the Red River wouldn’t deter them from building homes along the river. Development has flourished around the river, despite residents’ misgivings.  John Clement, a long-time Fargo resident, told the Canwest…

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North Dakota residents are bracing themselves for a possible 41.2 foot river swell. Fortunately, the people in charge seem to understand the value of regular people.  And regular people are out in force. One volunteer coordinating center had so many volunteers they had to turn people away.  As Nancy Pelosi said on the House floor yesterday:

“North Dakotans are no stranger either to the ideal of neighbors helping…

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Why do more men die in floods? I just did a story for Time.com on this particular mystery. Year after year, far more men than women die in storms. And in this year’s epic floods, men make up about three-quarters of the fatalities, according to my latest count.

The upside is that men can learn something from women and do better.

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