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Drought conditions continue in East TN, intensify across the Southeast

We've had little rain for months and October is usually one of the driest months of the year in the south.

Not much has changed when it comes to monitoring continuing drought conditions in East Tennessee.

Most of the state is still covered in abnormally dry conditions, though a small portion of Fentress and Scott counties have been removed from that designation after some rainfall.

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In the map below, you can see the areas in bright yellow that are listed as being abnormally dry. The darker orange areas are listed as being in severe drought, including parts of Hamblen, Cocke, and Green counties along with portions of Cumberland and Roane Counties. Everyone else is considered as being in moderate drought.

Credit: WBIR
Drought conditions in East Tennessee for 10/10/19

Forecasters say this is part of a "flash drought" that is intensifying across the southern United States.

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The U.S. Drought Monitor report also shows that nearly 56 million people in parts of 16 states are now living in some type of drought conditions.

The drought has drained ponds, hurt crops and worried farmers across several southern states.

Now, farmers are concerned about the long-term outlook as late October is typically among the driest periods in the South.

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