...February Rainfall Below Normal Across the Mid Gulf South...

February Rainfall averaged only 1 to 3 inches across southeast and south central Louisiana and south Mississippi. That was 3 to 4 inches below February normals for the area. All major rivers and streams realized an early month rise to near bank full, but fell off sharply from mid-month on with flow at the end of the month below seasonal normals. Minor streams and bayous were at or below seasonal levels throughout the month. Minor flooding occurred on the lower Pearl River and at the southern end of the Atchafalaya around mid-month during that late winter rise.

Soil moisture is near normal for February and early spring rains in March and April hopefully will maintain normal soil moisture into the growing season. Two hard freezes hit the deep south in late February and early March but neither was prolonged enough to cause agricultural damage other than cutting back tender ornamentals that had otherwise enjoyed a mild winter.