DALLAS — Recent heavy rains have helped Texas emerge from the worst of the years-long drought.
The U.S. Drought Monitor on Thursday indicated Texas, for the first time since mid-2012, is no longer in the “exceptional drought” category. That’s the most dire of five drought designations on the weekly map by federal agencies.
The drought has ravaged parts of Texas since 2011. Sections of the state were still listed Thursday as abnormally dry or in moderate, severe or extreme drought.
The Houston area received more than 10 inches of rain this week. Corsicana last weekend was doused with 11 inches of rain.
Drought-stricken Wichita Falls reports lakes that help supply the city’s water continue to rise due to recent storms. Combined levels for Lake Arrowhead and Lake Kickapoo topped 50 percent Tuesday.