North Dakota, Idaho at Increased Risk for Floods This Spring as Drought Worsens in Southern Plains, NOAA Says.
Major river flooding is forecast in northern North Dakota, while moderate river flooding is possible over southern Idaho, according to NOAA’s spring outlook released Thursday.
In addition, drought conditions are expected to expand across parts of the southern Plains this spring (April-June), causing drought to develop in northwest Texas and far eastern New Mexico.
California is also susceptible to additional flooding after a record-wet winter in many cities, due to snowmelt and the threat for more storms through the remainder of the wet season (November-April).
Here are the flooding and drought outlooks for spring 2017.
Flooding Outlook NOAA is most concerned about major river flooding in northern North Dakota, including the Souris River, Devils Lake and the northernmost reaches of the Red River.
Additionally, a moderate flood risk exists in central and southeastern Idaho’s Snake River basin, which received its second-highest snowfall on record this winter.
This trend is anticipated to continue in parts of the southern Plains this spring, with drought development forecast for northwest Texas and far eastern New Mexico, NOAA says.
In addition, the start of Florida’s wet season (May-October) favors improving conditions in the Sunshine State through at least June.
NOAA expects this portion of California to continue experiencing drought conditions, as the dry season will soon be setting in by April or May.