a faster rate. 11,000 buildings are in the path. mike sidell joins us from the weather channel. is there any optimism there today? >> reporter: there is some optimism because they lowered the crest on the river, but you can see the preparations under way. this house had a three foot sand bag wall. some of the local prisoners are out here lending a hand, refortifying the wall with another two to three feet sand bag height. i went inside this morning, saw the washing machine, i should say the dishwasher up on the counter. they are taking all the precautions, although we do not think the water will be -- back in 1973, water came up to the