Hurricane Isaac

Drought improves in Mo., but still expected to continue

Marshall Griffin — Thu, 20 Sep 2012 22:47:38 +0000

Drought conditions have eased across most of Missouri, but some parts of the state are still very dry.

Much of the relief can be credited to the remnants of Hurricane Isaac, which moved through the Show-Me State three weeks ago. Brian Fuchs is a climatologist with the National Drought Mitigation Center at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He says, though, that portions of Missouri missed out.

When it comes to stormwater service, MSD is facing a perfect 'storm' of problems

Rachel Lippmann — Thu, 06 Sep 2012 11:38:09 +0000

The remnants of Hurricane Isaac ended a summer-long dry spell. But for some customers of the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District, it meant flooded backyards and basements.

For decades, MSD funded its stormwater service with a patchwork of different taxes, which allowed the agency to meet its regulatory requirements. But repairs were a different story.

Some parts of the region were flush with cash for capital projects. It took others months or years to accumulate enough funds for even basic repairs.

Earlier this year, a state appeals court struck down a potential solution - a fee based on how much water a property could absorb. An appeal to the state Supreme Court is pending.

For now, MSD has gone back to its old taxing districts - allowing the lingering problems to get worse.

Morning headlines: Monday, Sept. 3, 2012

Julie Bierach, Tim Lloyd and The Associated Press — Mon, 03 Sep 2012 14:26:12 +0000

Isaac dumps rain, but Mo. drought persists

The National Weather Service says large parts of rural Missouri and Illinois had between three-to-five inches of rainfall this weekend.

In St. Louis, Oakville received three and a half inches of rain, the most in the metropolitan area. But National Weather Service Meteorologist Jayson Gosselin said it will take much more rain to snap this summer's historic drought.

The remnants of Isaac pass through the region

Tim Lloyd and The Associated Press — Sat, 01 Sep 2012 18:48:32 +0000

*This story will be updated

*Updated Sunday at 2:45 p.m. with details river levels and drought relief

Large parts of rural Missouri and Illinois had between three to five inches of rainfall this weekend, according to the National Weather Service.

In St. Louis, Nation Weather Service Meteorologist Jayson Gosselin said Oakville received three and a half inches of rain, the most in the metropolitan area.

Morning headlines: Friday, August 31, 2012

Julie Bierach and The Associated Press — Fri, 31 Aug 2012 14:19:07 +0000

Isaac heads to St. Louis

Drought-stricken Missouri is preparing for what has been an unusual occurrence this summer - a couple of rainy days. Forecasters expect remnants of tropical storm Isaac to reach Missouri on Friday, with rain spreading over southern, central and eastern portions.

The National Weather Service says the St. Louis region could get 3 to 5 inches. Soaking rains are expected to help alleviate Missouri's drought but not break it. More than 97 percent of the state is now listed in the two most severe categories of drought.