Experts Caution That Storm Rains Are Not Going To Be A Drought-Buster

Slowly, but surely, Tropical Depression Isaac is heading northward. Rains from the storm are moving into the southern part of Arkansas. The storm has been winding down as well with winds finally going below minimal tropical storm force. The Northern Gulf States took a beating from Isaac with a more significant storm surge than expected, especially in Plaquemines Parish and St. John’s Parish. The rains have also caused a flooding problem along the Louisiana and Mississippi border near the Tangipahoa River, where a dam failure occurred.

Despite the devastation that Isaac has caused from Louisiana to the Florida Panhandle, the depression could bring some much needed rain to the drought stricken Corn Belt in the Midwest. Places in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Missouri, and Ohio are in the midst of their worst drought in over 50 years. It has had devastating effects on the crops there, which has in turn caused a rise in food prices in other parts of the country. The GFS model shows Isaac pushing rains northward into Missouri, and then turning eastward into the Midwest and Ohio Valley over the next few days as it combines with a cold front.

The rainfall could be the silver lining to the storm, but it will not mean an end to the drought. According to a U.S. Today article, the drought in Missouri has been so severe that the rainfall deficit has grown to nearly 20 inches since June of last year. In addition, the storm’s remnants could bring more harm than good with gusty winds knocking down and damaging crops such as corn, rice, and soybeans. The rains could also be too much and too late.

Almost a quarter of the nation is undergoing either a extreme or exceptional drought according to an article from the Washington Post. However, recent rains have helped ease the drought situation a little bit in Iowa and Illinois. Iowa, which is the nation’s largest corn producing state benefited the most from the rain while Indiana and Missouri benefited the least.

A heavy rain wouldn’t really help this drought stricken area. Too much rain in too little time will prevent the rain from being absorbed into the ground. The region is hoping for a good soaking rain from the storm system. Even if it does get that, it won’t be enough to end the drought, and it will be too late to help the harvest of many crops.