Ticker for April 21, 2004

                
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April 21, 2004     April 21, 2004     April 21, 2004     April 21, 2004



Rainfall Wrap-up

Last night's violent weather dumped more than an inch of rain
(and hail) in parts of the northeastern quarter of Oklahoma.
On the previous night, parts of northwestern Oklahoma received
heavy rain (and hail).  Here's a list of selected 48-hour rainfall
totals:

Beaver     2.67"     Blackwell     1.61"
Medford    2.12"     Haskell       1.54"
Bristow    1.79"     Newkirk       1.54"
Okemah     1.75"     Wynona        1.47"
Buffalo    1.66"     Vinita        1.36"
May Ranch  1.65"     Webbers Falls 1.28"


Southeastern Third of State Still Thirsty

Violent weather produces compelling images and descriptions.
These are easy to identify, transmit and comprehend as a threat.
People can take action when they understand the threat.

Drought, on the other hand, fails to produce compelling imagery
until its damage is done.  Because of this and many other
complexities, the magnitude of drought is often captured only
in its aftermath, long after the opportunity for decisive
action has passed.  This is unfortunate, because drought's larger
coverage and longer time scales can cause economic damage that
far exceeds even very large severe weather events.

This week's severe weather was well-forecast and well-documented.
Let's take a quick look at the other side of the coin.  Significant
precipitation did not occur for the people who need it most.
For south-central and southeastern Oklahoma, the fifty days since
March began have been the driest such period since 1980 and 1972,
respectively.  These regions have experienced rainfall deficits
for more than a year now.

Many excellent decisions were made by the public this week in
response to the threat of violent weather.  These conditions were
recognized, conveyed and comprehended ... and smart action was taken.