By Clint Thompson
Drought remains in areas across Florida, Georgia and Alabama. But the amount and severity of those conditions continue to decline due to a rainy winter, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.
Abnormally dry conditions are still observed in Escambia and Santa Rose counties in the Florida Panhandle. Severe dry conditions are seen along the west coast of Florida, in Pinellas, Hillsborough, Manatee and Sarasota counties.
All of southern and most of central Georgia is drought free. Severe conditions are concentrated in the northern part of the state, starting as far south as Carroll and Haralson counties and stretching northward to Dade, Walker, Catoosa, Whitfield, Murray, Fannin, Union and Towns counties. Conditions are also severe in Northwest Georgia in Madison, Elbert and Hart counties.
Alabama continues to be the state with the most drought present along with the worst conditions. The majority of the state has at least abnormally dry conditions though most have moderate, severe and extreme conditions.
The northwest corner of Alabama is extremely dry, including parts of Franklin, Colbert, Lauderdale and Limestone counties. A small part of Northeast Alabama is extremely dry as well, including Blount, Marshall, Dekalb, Etowah and Santa Clair counties.