Hopeful storms in forecast for drought plagued US West

By ADAM BEAM
Associated Press

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — California is set to get its first major rainfall of the season. The National Weather Service says storms this week could dump up to 7 inches of rain in some areas of the state’s Central Valley. But it won’t be enough to end a drought that has gripped much of the western United States. New data shows Californians reduced their water consumption by just 3.5% in July and August. Gov. Gavin Newsom responded by expanding an emergency drought declaration to include the entire state. His order gives state officials permission to enact water restrictions.