October Storm System Brings Precipitation, High Winds to Most of U.S.

A late-October storm system has brought some relief to ongoing drought conditions across the Pacific Northwest. The precipitation spread across the Northern Plains and exited the Rockies on October 24. With all this going on, the middle of the country did receive some rainfall, increasing soil moisture in some of the most drought-stricken areas.

However, wind gusts totaling more than 50 miles per hour were recorded in Colorado and Kansas, drifting dust in areas that did not receive precipitation and exacerbated wildfire-prone areas while actual wildfires spread. Intense winds died down on the 24th but remain elevated. The most northern parts of the country received snow as cold temperatures came through. Eastern Montana and the Dakotas recorded up to six inches of snowfall in some areas.

Read more on U.S. weather conditions and drought here.