Drought still grips Georgia despite rains

October 9th - (AJC)

Rain has been so rare in these parts, it was greeted like snow by the Gwinnett County Extension Service office on Wednesday.

“I have been running to the window all day,” director Robert Brannen said. “It’s been so long since I’ve seen this much rain.”

About an inch was expected to fall through midnight, and more today. Atlanta hasn’t seen that much rain since the remnants of Hurricane Fay came through in late August. September was extremely dry.

Despite the reprieve, signs of drought are all around, especially at Lake Lanier. The federal reservoir, metro Atlanta’s primary source of drinking water, has dropped more than two feet since Sept. 1 and is about 17 feet below full.

If Lanier falls three more feet, it would reset the record low level of 1,050.79 feet above sea level, established last Dec. 26.

But for homeowners tired of looking at wilting plants and parched lawns, this rain should go a long way. “They’ll all perk up,” Brannen said.

Brannen, who teaches gardening tips to homeowners and landscapers, said it’s a good time to plant shrubs and trees.

Outdoor watering restrictions are looser for new landscapes, and even established plants and grass are allowed 25 minutes of water from a hand-held garden hose up to three days a week.

DROUGHT UPDATE
Rainfall measured at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport
................Rainfall........Normal ......Pct of normal
Last 30 days......0.28 inches ....3.9 inches ......7%
Last 90 days ....10.12 inches....12.19 inches ....83%
Last 180 days....16.58 inches....23.51 inches ....71%
Last 365 days....38.12 inches....50.28 inches ....76%
Source: National Weather Service