Southeast Drought Unrelenting

Only a tropical storm could bring relief The drought emergency gripping the Southeast will only be dissipated by a tropical storm, according to the Georgia state climatologist. And that storm shows no sign yet of emerging. Four states -- Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi and Tennessee -- had the driest spring in 113 years of record-keeping. The drought has spawned wildfires -- like the Okefenokee swamp fire that is still smoldering. It has devastated farmers -- causing some cattle ranchers to sell off herds and reducing or destroying many fruit and grain crops. Beyond that, it's been a headache for everyone living there, as governments impose water use restrictions to save the little water that is available. Tropical Storm Barry brought passing relief to the drought-stricken region, but little rain of consequence has fallen since then. They're still praying for rain. Of course, there's a careful-what-you-wish-for element to this. Forecasters have predicted 13 to 17 named storms in the Atlantic and Caribbean this year -- including as many as 10 hurricanes, according to a story in the June 26 Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Related Stories Lake Tahoe Fire Cause: 'Human Activity' Summer Forecast: Hot, With Wildfires World's Largest Lake Drying Up Drought Plagues 1/3 of U.S. Georgia Swamp Fire Could Smolder For Months