While some of the mountain states (Utah, Colorado and New Mexico especially) are still seeing some severe snow drifts, spring is breaking out all over the center and east of the nation, bringing with it, a torrent of flooding.

In Fargo, North Dakota, more than 400 volunteers filled some 81,000 sandbags Saturday, as the city’s Red River is well into minor stage and expected to enter major flood stage by Thursday.  Communities all along the Red, Mississippi and Missouri rivers are preparing for rising waters as the nation thaws for spring.

Out east, the situation is increasing dire, as more than 500,000 are without power in parts of New Jersey, New York, Connecticut and Pennsylvania. Heavy rains and windblown trees have played havoc on the region’s transportation, with jammed freeways, grounded flights and delayed commuter trains.