DESPITE RAIN, AREA STILL FEELS EFFECTS OF DROUGHT

When it rains it pours, but so far it hasn't been enough. Despite more-than-usual rainfall over the past month, Southeast Missouri and surrounding areas are still feeling the effects of last year's drought.

Storms which have buried the north in snow and touched off tornados in the south have left Cape Girardeau all wet, but according to the National Weather Service in Paducah, recent rains have not erased the long term moisture deficit.

Some 3.16 inches of rain have been measured at Cape Girardeau Regional Airport in the past week.

One group who didn't welcome the wet is emergency personnel. Wet roads increase the risk to everyday driving dangers and kept patrolmen busy, particularly on interstates, said D.R. Hager, a telecommunications operator with the Highway Patrol.

"High speeds and wet, slick roads don't mix," Hager said. The risk of hydroplaning and decreased visibility always increase the chances for accidents, he said.

Others who might not welcome the rain are allergy sufferers.

In other words, even though it's February, those runny noses and earaches may not be the result of a cold virus after all. The combination of wet weather and relatively warm temperatures have not only fostered mold growth, but prompted some trees to pollinate.

"Pollination respects the weather more than the calendar," said local allergist Dr. Micheal Critchlow.

He said recent counts have shown significant numbers in the areas of cedar and maple pollen.

The most recent storm petered out Friday night, but the weather service predicts fog, more clouds and a lingering drizzle today. Slightly warmer weather is expected tomorrow and Monday.

And despite recent warm temperatures, the area may get another brief glimpse of the white stuff. Snow flurries haven't been ruled out.

More rain is expected next week.