FARGO, N.D. — The Red River appears to have crested in Fargo and neighboring Moorhead, Minn.

National Weather Service meteorologist Greg Gust says it appears a preliminary crest of 33.27 feet was reached early Wednesday. The exact level will be verified later.

Gust says the river level is expected to slowly decline over the next few days and drop below major flood stage of 30 feet early Sunday.

The metro area is wrapping up its fourth major Red River flood fight in five years, though this year’s event wasn’t as serious as first advertised. Earlier estimates were for a crest in the 38- to 42-foot range.

Fargo has spent about $2 million to build clay levees and sandbag dikes.