'Bleak' drought forecast warns of wildfires, crop damage

March 13, 2000
Web posted at: 9:11 p.m. EST (0211 GMT)

In this story: Pre-emptive action urged Too soon to predict economic impact RELATED STORIES, SITES

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- This year may again bring images of dried-up crops, forest fires and tapped-out reservoirs, according to the spring drought forecast from the Commerce Department.

"The outlook is bleak," said John Kelly, director of the National Weather Service. "Large portions of the country are going to experience continued shortages of rain, and when you take the soil moisture conditions into effect, they're going to experience drought-like conditions."

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CNN's Carl Rochelle explains what may result if the U.S. experiences an expected dry spell this spring and summer. Windows Media 28K 80K

The forecast calls for unusually dry weather the next three months for much of the lower South, from Georgia through Texas westward to Arizona. Similar conditions may also hit the important crop states of Nebraska and Iowa, as well as Illinois and Indiana.

However, the mid-Atlantic region, which last year suffered some of the nation's worst drought conditions, will this year be in better shape, thanks to underground water reserves from hurricanes Dennis and Floyd late last year.

Commerce Secretary William Daley said regional droughts in an average year costs twice as much as flooding damage, and he called for pre-emptive measures to minimize damage.

"We've already begun to move federal resources," Daley said. "We would hope state and local governments will take the necessary steps through their emergency management organizations to prepare for any possible difficulty as a result of the drought."

Daley said businesses, including those catering to tourists, may have to adapt their marketing strategies to prepare for possible water shortages. He did not elaborate.

Agriculture Secretary Dan Glickman was reluctant to predict the economic impact, even as he noted a survey showing most of the Texas winter wheat crop already in poor or very poor shape. Texas produces about 6 percent of the nation's winter wheat.

"We have to be alert to the possibility that if dry conditions persist in certain parts of the country, there could be a significant agricultural impact," said Glickman.

Firefighting preparations were under way at the Forest Service, part of the Agriculture Department. "We are mobilizing for what we expect will be a heavy year in wildland fires," Glickman said.

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U.S. Department of Commerce
U.S. Department of Agriculture
  • USDA Forest Service
National Drought Mitigation Center
National Weather Service
  • NOAA Drought Links
  • NOAA's Drought Information Center
  • Drought grips nearly half of U.S.

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