Major Kentucky Winter Storms Put Dent in Drought

Believe it or not, we started the year off with a lack of precipitation. This placed the region in moderate drought for the months of January and the first half of February. However, the two winter storms, have put quite a dent in the drought.

Kentucky Drought Monitor - Valid Tuesday - US Drought Monitor — Kentucky Drought Monitor – Valid Tuesday – US Drought Monitor

The graphic above does not take into consideration the latest winter storm, but you can see that the drought has been cut in half across Kentucky. Given the recent snow storms, it’s not that much of a surprise. Check out the totals across the state from both storms below.

Check out this comparison of the snowfall totals from the Feb 16th winter storm vs. our most recent storm. #kywx pic.twitter.com/TRRbY6QYLj

— NWS Jackson, KY (@NWSJacksonKY) March 5, 2015

It’s also pretty rare for this to take place according to Wx Or Not contributor Tyler Smith.

@JacobWilkinswx For Bowling Green this would be the 6th time two major storms (> 5 in) occurred less than a month apart. — Tyler Smith (@etsmith14) March 6, 2015

@JacobWilkinswx 5th time two major storms occurred less than two weeks apart.

— Tyler Smith (@etsmith14) March 6, 2015

@JacobWilkinswx But the first time for 2 storms > 7 to occur 2 weeks apart since 1960. — Tyler Smith (@etsmith14) March 6, 2015

Thus, it might be a while before back-to-back Kentucky winter storms occur.