Laserfiche WebLink
The intensity of a drought can be measured using the Palmer Drought Index. <br />Table A -4: Palmer Drought Index <br />CATEGORY <br />DESCRIPTION <br />POSSIBLE IMPACTS <br />PALMER <br />PERCENT OF <br />DROUGHT <br />NORMAL <br />INDEX <br />PRECIPITATION <br />DO <br />Abnormally <br />Going into drought; short -term <br />-1.0 to —1.9 <br />Less than 75% for <br />Dry <br />dryness slows planting, crop <br />3 months <br />growth, and pastures; fire risk <br />above average. Coming out of a <br />drought; some lingering water <br />deficits; pastures, crops not <br />fully recovered <br />DI <br />Moderate <br />Some damage to crops, <br />-2.0 to —2.9 <br />Less than 70% for <br />Drought <br />pastures, fire risk high, water <br />3 months <br />sources at low level; some <br />water shortages developing or <br />imminent, voluntary water use <br />restrictions requested <br />D2 <br />Severe <br />Crop or pasture losses likely; <br />-3.0 to —3.9 <br />Less than 65% for <br />Drought <br />fire risk very high; water <br />6 months <br />shortages common, water <br />restrictions imposed <br />D3 <br />Extreme <br />Major crop /pasture losses; <br />-4.0 to —4.9 <br />Less than 60% for <br />Drought <br />Extreme fire risk; widespread <br />6 months <br />water shortages or restrictions. <br />D4 <br />Exceptional <br />Exceptional and widespread <br />-5.0 or less <br />Less than 65% for <br />Drought <br />crop /pasture losses; exceptional <br />12 months <br />fire risk; shortages of water in <br />reservoirs, streams and wells, <br />creating water emergencies <br />(c) Cabarrus County has experienced severe hot weather and periods of drought. <br />Between January, 1950 and December 2009 the county and its municipalities <br />recorded 20 drought events (see map A -1). These drought periods were <br />particularly severe in 1948 -50; 1966 -67; 1986 -87; 1997 and 2003 -2008. Hot <br />weather occurs from mid -July to late September. Periods of extreme summer <br />weather intensify the effects of a drought, but do not cause it. While potentially <br />dangerous to individuals, severe hot weather is not a serious hazard in the county. <br />Drought conditions are mainly a hazard to farms and other agricultural operations. <br />The decline in the level of the water table creates problems for those citizens who <br />rely on wells for water, and the lack of rainfall also decreased the level of water in <br />local reservoirs. <br />Annex A Hazard Identification and Analysis A -9 1 Dece=hcmrR®C&mber s <br />F -6 Page 113 <br />