National Guard soldiers pitched in to help as flooding problems persisted in southeastern North Dakota on Friday, following heavy rains earlier in the week.

Some homeowners around Lake Elsie sandbagged to protect against rising water in the lake and a nearby slough.

National Guard soldiers training in the Wahpeton area hauled in gravel to raise a road near the homes that will act as a dike and provide emergency access, spokesman Bill Prokopyk said. The soldiers brought with them two bulldozers, four dump trucks and a loader, he said. "We're so thankful for the help," said homeowner Dwight Boucher.

Residents in the Barnes County town of Fingal battled overland flooding that swamped the town's lift station early Friday morning.

About one-fourth of the town's 60 homes had water in their basements, and lawns and streets also flooded, County Emergency Manager Kim Franklin said. Officials dug a trench to help move the water out of town.

A flood warning issued by the National Weather Service remained in effect Friday.