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. 
What is happening?
About what?
Where?
How high will it get?
what ?
What is cresting?
What is its nickname?
Where does it flow?
How big is the city?
How many evacuated?
How many houses are gone?
Who talked to the reporter?
How many in his family?
Is his ok?
How long has he lived there?
Where are they now?
What can he see?
Where is Minot?
Who made the statement?
What is his name?
a press conference
a Saturday press conference
about a flood warning
about 12 feet higher than flood stage,
Minot
Minot
12 feet higher than flood stage
12 feet higher than flood stage
12 feet
12 feet
the Souris River
the Souris River
"The Mouse"
which locals call "The Mouse"
through Minot
flows through the center of Minot
a city of 36,000
a city of about 36,000
a third of the city's population
a third of the city's population
at least 3,000 homes
at least 3,000 homes have been flooded. 
Stuart Dull
Stuart Dull, told CNN
Four
his wife and two children
he feels despair
"It's a sense of despair
since 1968
since 1968
a temporary home
a temporary home
his home under water
sneaking back toward his home and seeing it under water.
North Dakota
Minot, North Dakota 
the city's mayor
the city's mayor said 
Curt Zimbelman.
Mayor Curt Zimbelman. 