Minot, North Dakota (CNN) -- A spontaneous burst of applause broke out at a Saturday press conference in Minot, North Dakota, when the city's mayor said the Souris River should crest overnight -- about 12 feet higher than flood stage, but several inches short of what had been feared.

"This is great news," said Mayor Curt Zimbelman.

This prediction from the National Weather Service proved a rare bright spot in what has been, and continues to be, a trying time for citizens in Minot and neighboring communities.

The Souris River, which locals call "The Mouse" after the French translation of its name, flows through the center of Minot, a city of about 36,000. About a third of the city's population is under evacuation orders, while at least 3,000 homes have been flooded.

One resident, Stuart Dull, told CNN about how he, his wife and two children feverishly packed up their belongings ahead of the approaching waters. What they could move out is stashed in a garage, while the family has found a temporary home in a relative's basement.

"Words kind of escape me," said Dull, describing his feeling after later sneaking back toward his home and seeing it under water. "It's a sense of despair ... and it's maybe a check on some of the things that you hold dear."

Stuart Collum said he spotted the silver chimney and black roof of his house, where he has lived since 1968, on Saturday -- with the rest of the dwelling under water.

1. What is happening?
2. About what?
3. Where?
4. How high will it get?
5. what ?
6. What is cresting?
7. What is its nickname?
8. Where does it flow?
9. How big is the city?
10. How many evacuated?
11. How many houses are gone?
12. Who talked to the reporter?
13. How many in his family?
14. Is his ok?
15. How long has he lived there?
16. Where are they now?
17. What can he see?
18. Where is Minot?
19. Who made the statement?
20. What is his name?

Numbered answers:
1. a press conference
2. about a flood warning
3. Minot
4. 12 feet higher than flood stage
5. 12 feet
6. the Souris River
7. "The Mouse"
8. through Minot
9. a city of 36,000
10. a third of the city's population
11. at least 3,000 homes
12. Stuart Dull
13. Four
14. he feels despair
15. since 1968
16. a temporary home
17. his home under water
18. North Dakota
19. the city's mayor
20. Curt Zimbelman.