The drought conditions continue for most of East Texas, but for some it’s gotten a little better over the last few weeks.

Drought Analysis 9-17 and 9-24. Courtesy: U.S. Drought Monitor
Drought Analysis 9-17 and 9-24. Courtesy: U.S. Drought Monitor
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Prior to Tropical Storm Imelda parts of East Texas were under a “Severe Drought” according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. Most of East Texas was under a “Moderate Drought” or labeled as “Abnormally Dry”. Then Tropical Storm Imelda hit.

Tropical Storm Imelda was the third tropical system to impact Texas this year, but was really the first and only so far to really have an impact on East Texas. Prior to Imelda, there was Hurricane Barry. Barry had more of an impact on Louisiana and Mississippi, but parts of East Texas saw some rain from it. Then there was Tropical Storm Fernand… however Fernand hit the far southern portions of the state and far northern Mexico. Imelda was a tropical depression by the time it hit East Texas, but was a tropical storm as it made landfall near Houston.

Imelda dumped close to two feet of rain near Beaumont, and over three inches of rain near Lufkin. The Tyler and Longview areas saw between an inch and over three inches of rain, which has helped out the drought situation. However the heavy rain did lead to flash flood and flood warnings in spots.

Radar estimated rainfall 9-18 through 9-25. Courtesy: Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service
Radar estimated rainfall 9-18 through 9-25. Courtesy: Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service
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Since the heavy rain from Imelda, the drought situation has improved for the southern parts of East Texas, however the Tyler area remains under a “Severe Drought”. Areas like Center, Nacogdoches and Lufkin however has been lifted from the drought, which is good news.

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