Southern California welcomes some rain by Steph Ball
With many southern states of the US struggling with a lack of rain and increasing drought conditions, Southern California welcomed a storm on Friday which finally bought them some much needed rain.
Flash flood warnings were issued by the National Weather Service for parts of Santa Barbara, Ventura and Los Angeles.
Incredibly, parts of Los Angeles are said to have recorded just 63mm (2.5 inches) of rain since the beginning of July 2006. This is said to be around 300mm (12 inches) below what would normally be expected. Yesterday’s storm saw around an extra 12mm ( 0.5 inches ) falling in places.
Many parts of Southern California have been left parched and with dangerously dry bush, by the recent lack of rain. With other parts of the south experiencing a similar problem, an active wild fire season has been forecast for this year.
Gusty winds on Friday fanned a wildfire which has been burning across parts of Georgia since last Monday, while this week has seen an increase in the states drought level.
Alabama, Texas and Florida are all experiencing water restrictions. A report issued on Thursday declared that 75 percent of Alabama is suffering from some degree of drought, while a dozen Central Florida counties were ranked under a high drought index.
Although the rain in Southern California will have bought a little relief, a lot more is needed to make up the shortfall.
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