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Local counties fare better in latest drought survey

By Scott Harvey

– The latest report shows that we are now in the third worst drought in Texas history, behind only droughts in 1918 and 1956.

State Climatologist John Nielsen Gammon says we should prepare for brown lawns, because the water rationing is likely to reach historic levels.

Locally, the Keetch-Byram Drought Severity Index shows that as of Tuesday, Hunt, Rockwall and Dallas counties were in the best shape among all Texas counties, showing only a moderate fire danger. The remainder of Northeast Texas was under a high fire danger, still in far better shape than counties off to the west.

Still, officials advise caution when working outdoors and be aware of burn bans in your area.