Within a week, severe drought conditions have made their way into several North Georgia counties, according to this week's update from the U.S. Drought Monitor.
The report indicates severe drought now encompasses all of Gwinnett, Barrow and Banks counties. Most of Jackson County and the southern end of Forsyth County are experiencing severe drought conditions. Severe drought has moved into a small area of eastern Hall County and into the southeastern corner of Habersham County.
Severe drought conditions also are expanding into the northeast Georgia mountains; most of Rabun County is now considered in severe drought.
According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, severe drought means crop or pasture losses are likely and water shortages are a possibility.
The latest report indicates 47.63-percent of Georgia is now suffering from some form of drought with abnormally dry conditions now expanding into South Georgia.