Governor issues drought alert for state
By NewsPress Now
With Buchanan County suffering moderate to severe conditions, Gov. Mike Parson is declaring a drought alert in Missouri until March 31.
All or portions of at least 88 counties in the state are experiencing moderate, severe or extreme drought conditions, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. Parson signed an executive order Tuesday that asks the Missouri Department of Natural Resources to activate the Drought Assessment Committee, which will work with impact teams on response and recovery recommendations.
“While the weather did improve this spring, allowing us to let our previous drought alert expire, the last few months have been dry, forcing us to reissue a drought alert in Missouri,” Parson said. “Despite all our challenges, from droughts to floods and everything in between, Missourians have remained strong. This Executive Order will again allow us to step in and direct resources to those struggling with the consequences of drought, while allowing for vigilant monitoring of conditions over the winter months.”
Most of Northwest Missouri, including Andrew, Atchison, Caldwell, Clinton, Daviess, DeKalb, Gentry, Grundy, Harrison, Holt, Livingston, Mercer, Nodaway and Worth counties are experiencing moderate drought, with southern Buchanan and all of Platte counties in severe conditions.
More information can be found online at www.dnr.mo.gov/drought, including a link to the Condition Monitoring Observer Reports, where residents can submit information about local drought conditions. The site also has current drought-related news, the current United States and Missouri drought maps and the Missouri Drought Mitigation and Response Plan.
