2/24/17
(Cleveland)- In the drought report released Thursday, the National Drought Mitigation Center said Georgia’s overall drought-coverage area has diminished somewhat since February 14th. But, WRWH Weather Reporter Bill Kinsland says, after reviewing the report, there has been no change in White County’s drought status. The entire county remains in an extreme drought (D3).
White County has been in some degree of drought continuously since March 29th of last year. Bill also advised that rainfall amounts continue to diminish. As of 7 AM Thursday morning White County’s year-to-date rainfall stands at 6.70 inches which is 4.11 inches below normal. This figure is 62% of the level normally expected for this time of year.
Reflecting diminished rainfall, our river, lake and ground-water levels are falling steadily.
As for any great amount of rain to relieve the drought Bill said, the National Weather Service in Peachtree City, advised in their 90-day outlook for March through May shows that most of northern Georgia can expect above-normal temperatures and near-normal precipitation.
As a result of the drought conditions in the area, White County Water Authority Director Edwin Nix is reminding water customers of the county water system that we all need to conserve water.
Nix said in addition to the odd-even watering for outdoor landscape, the following outdoor water use is prohibited: Washing hard surfaces such as streets and sidewalks, water for ornamental purposes, such as fountains, the use of the fire hydrants except for firefighters, public safety and flushing and non-commercial vehicle washing including fundraising car washes and non-commercial pressure washing.
