Drought: Governors Warnings, New Photos

North Carolina Governor Mike Easley warned the populace last night to stop watering lawns and washing cars to avoid statewide water rationing. Also noted: Turn off the ornamental water devices and keep the water off while you brush your teeth or shave. He described the drought as the worst in the state's history.

Over 100 public water systems in North Carolina already have mandatory restrictions on water use. In Virginia, Governor Tim Kaine requested federal assistance for their drought. All of this news is via the AP via WAVY-TV, who also has an impressive video on that page,

showing aerial views of the drought in northeast North Carolina, comparing it to last year's flooding.
Many meteorologists blame the consistent-high-pressure-system-scenario on La Nina, a weather pattern which will likely continue into the winter, according to NOAA.

Below are photos from Georgia. See my earlier blog entry for drought maps and historical drought information for North Carolina.

PHOTO CAPTIONS:

Exposed lake bed and beached boat docks are shown at Lake Lanier in Cumming, Ga., Friday, Oct. 12, 2007. Rivers throughout the Southeast are turning to dust, towns are threatening to ration dwindling water supplies and lawmakers are pointing fingers as the region struggles with an epic drought that seems to be getting worse. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)

Fishing guide Chuck Biggers maneuvers his boat through shallow water at Lake Lanier in Buford, Ga., Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2007. Rivers throughout the Southeast are turning to dust, towns are threatening to ration dwindling water supplies and lawmakers are pointing fingers as the region struggles with an epic drought that seems to be getting worse. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)