OTTUMWA —
Drought conditions worsened in Iowa over the last week, according to a new report from the U.S. Drought Monitor.
Two-thirds of the state is now experiencing extreme drought, according to this week's report. That's up from 62 percent last week and 58 percent two weeks ago. Most of the expansion took place in southeast and south-central Iowa.
Extreme drought now claims all of Davis, Appanoose and Monroe counties and almost all of Wapello County. It has crept into southwestern Marion County in the past week and covers all but the northeastern corner of Van Buren County.
Of counties in the CNHI coverage area, only Mahaska and Keokuk counties are free of extreme drought conditions, though each are in severe drought.
The only good news for Iowa is that the exceptional drought conditions did not expand beyond a small corner in northwest Iowa.
CNHI/Southeast Iowa
Drought gains ground in Iowa
- CNHI/Southeast Iowa
-
-
Barber shows no signs of cutting career short
OTTUMWA -- Darrell Smith's hands are steady and sure as he picks up his clippers and straight razor to begin his first haircut and shave of the day. Smith, 88, has cut hair for 62 years and has owned Smitty's Barber Shop on Albia Road for the past 58
-
Okla. front pages capture tornado aftermath
View how several Oklahoma newspapers covered Monday's massive tornado in Moore. Please note that officials revised the death toll downward early Tuesday morning after some papers were printed, but it is expected to climb again as recovery efforts continue.
-
Corn planting soars on break in the weather
The percentage of corn planted in Iowa grew by more than 50 percentage points last week with what experts called the first really good week of weather for farmers.
-
VIDEO: Pres. Obama's remarks on the Okla. tornado
President Obama speaks on Monday's deadly Okla. tornado.
-
LIVE BLOG: Massive tornado hits south of OKC
A massive tornado touched down Monday afternoon in Moore, Okla., just south of Oklahoma City. Follow live coverage of the aftermath of the storm.
-
VIDEO: Tumblr sold to Yahoo! for $1.1 billion
Yahoo! has purchased Tumblr for $1.1 billion, hoping to compete more effectively with sites like Google and Facebook.
-
What you need to know about preparing for tornadoes
Tornado survivors and seasoned observers suggest people do two simple things to prepare for tornadoes: Know where to take shelter, and move quickly when the time comes.
-
VIDEO: How technology helps predict tornadoes
At the National Storm Prediction Center in Oklahoma, the team charged with predicting tornadoes relies on ever-changing technology to determine when and where storms may strike.
-
SLIDESHOW: Tornado passes through Oklahoma
A fast-moving storm brought rain, hail and tornadoes to Oklahoma late Sunday afternoon and evening.
-
Reviving downtown's upper stories
Building by building, the upper stories of downtown Ottumwa are coming back to life after some have sat empty for half a century.
-
Alleged counterfeiter arrested
The Knoxville Police Department reports having a suspect in custody who may be responsible for the counterfeit $100 circulating in town.
-
Officer treated and released after injuries from Oklahoma windstorm
Enid, Okla. police officer Lee Friesendahl was treated and released at St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center Saturday night after his patrol car was struck by a strong windstorm triggered by a heat burst.
-
'Kindness begets kindness' at Oskaloosa Middle School
Focus on kindness is an attempt to improve school atmosphere and proactively address bullying.
-
Storms forecast to return later Monday
OTTUMWA -- The first severe weather outbreak of the year didn't do as much damage to southeast Iowa as in other areas, but it's likely on to round two today.
-
Kia Optima is a hit with the buying public
When it comes to midsized family sedans, the Kia Optima ranks high on my list for its good looks, economy and value.
- More CNHI/Southeast Iowa Headlines
-
