California declared drought free for first time in seven years
By Tim Sandle
California has emerged from a state-wide drought and has been declared 'drought free' for the fist time in seven years. This follows an abundance of rain and snow throughout the winter months.
California's drought-free status is based on the U.S. government’s weekly report on nationwide drought conditions. The current status represents a significant swing, not only from the past seven years (376 consecutive weeks), but from the more recent spate of devastating wildfires.
The new status means California no longer has a moisture deficit significant enough present a risk of social, environmental or economic ills. The turnaround is reflective of the severe Pacific storms that have swept across many parts of the state during the winter. The heavy downpours have caused millions of dollars in damage to highways, such as with the road network in the San Jacinto Mountains, located east of Los Angeles.
Read more:
http://www.digitaljournal.com/news/environment/california-declared-drought-free-for-first-time-in-seven-years/article/545482#ixzz5iRke2pxp
