The flood waters are coming faster than expected in Minnesota and North Dakota, the National Weather Service warns.

Ten days ago, NWS was alerting folks in Fargo-Moorhead and down the Red River that there was a 90% or greater chance of major flooding this spring.

Now, as Valley News (KVLY 11 & KX4) in Fargo report, the Weather Service says melting snows and rain are combining to make things happen faster:

"We have five days to get ready for a flood," said Fargo Deputy Mayor Tim Mahoney. "The big push will be Wednesday, Thursday, Friday." The Red River is expected to crest in Fargo-Moorhead at 38 feet Saturday morning.

There are likely to be problems elsewhere in the region, the Star Tribune adds. The Weather Service has "added the Mississippi River in St. Paul and Hastings to a long list of flood warnings, predicting moderate flooding."