Recent Snow Does Little To Offset Oklahoma Drought

A climatologist says recent snowfall in Oklahoma did little to alleviate ongoing drought in the state -- but provided enough moisture to give hope.

Associate state climatologist Gary McManus says rain that preceded Tuesday's snow of up to 5 to 6 inches in parts of western Oklahoma may get "the ball rolling" to easing the drought -- but more moisture is needed.

David Gammill farms about 1,300 acres of wheat near Grandfield in southwestern Oklahoma and says the moisture has given him and farmers hope. But he says many ponds in the area remain dry and in need of rain.

The latest U.S. Drought Monitor report shows all but far eastern Oklahoma in extreme to exceptional drought -- the two most severe categories. The eastern sections are in severe drought.