Counties in western Kentucky have been declared a Level 2 Drought area. McCracken, Marshall, Graves and Trigg counties join 35 other counties that are now considered drought stricken. With many counties already under a burn ban, this new designation may lead to the restricted use of water resources in these counties.
The Office of the State Climatologist and the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet, in coordination with the Kentucky Drought Mitigation Team (KDMT), are issuing a Level 2 Drought Declaration for counties in seven drought management areas (DMAs) in central and western Kentucky. These new counties bring the total to 50 counties in seven DMAs under a Level 2 declaration.
Level 1 drought conditions means that soil moisture and vegetation will suffer from the lack of rain. Water shortages in small lakes or agricultural water needs can be negatively impacted at Level 1.
Level 2 designations mean that the possibilities that exist at Level 1 become a reality. Conservation efforts to manage water may be enacted at this level. Low stream flows and lower-than-normal lake levels could lead to water conservation advisories and/or mandatory restrictions on water use. In the lakes area of western Kentucky where the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) public power utility has brought lake levels down to winter pool stage, this may have an impact on energy management practices and recreational fishing in the area.
Effects of the drought can be seen in local foliage, as the lack of water stresses trees into an early leaf drop. This is particularly alarming in western Kentucky where eco-systems have not recovered from the devastating effects of the ice storm of January, 2009.
For a detailed map of drought conditions in the Midwest, visit Regional Drought Monitor website.
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