The first winter storm of the season is bringing much-needed precipitation in the form of snow to drought-stricken western states. The storm is expected to bring up to 24 inches to Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, and Colorado.
Drought monitoring officials report nearly 98 percent of the western U.S. is facing some level of drought. The record drought will impact the cattle industry at all levels.
The “March Miracle” storm system that has lashed California for the last four days, dumping 6 feet of snow in the Sierra Mountains, just ended what appeared to be a new drought.
Warnings have been posted for the risk of mudslides in areas that burned in last year’s wildfires, as bone-dry California looks forward to its best week of rain and snow this winter.
Half of California is officially back in drought, while the Midwest and Plains may suffer from extreme flooding, as the extreme La Niña weather condition intensifies.
Orange County received a more rain than it receives in one year over the course of four days of torrential downpours this week, leaving near-empty reservoirs full again.
Over 40 percent of California is now drought-free, thanks to recent rain and snow across the state and especially in Northern California.
