Severe weather extremes hit U.S., from Hawaii flooding to Georgia drought

According to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor, about 98% of Georgia is experiencing some level of drought.

(CNN)- A powerful, multi-day storm continues to impact Hawaii, bringing heavy rain and triggering flood alerts across the islands. The system has dumped more than a month’s worth of rain in some areas, raising concerns in a state still recovering from destructive flooding just weeks ago.

Residents say the ongoing rainfall is adding to fears about what could come next.

“Every little drop is a little scary on what’s going to happen next,” said Waialua resident Tamra Escorzon.

Meanwhile, in Colorado, officials are dealing with the opposite problem — not enough water. Record-low snowpack levels combined with unusually warm temperatures are fueling drought concerns across the state.

“We’re at 41% of our historical average snow water equivalents,” said Randi Kim, utilities director for the City of Grand Junction.

Experts warn conditions could worsen heading into the summer months, prompting conservation efforts statewide.

“We’ve seen the pattern, and the pattern right now is drought,” said Pamela Smith with the City of Denver. “So we are gearing up for a summer of drought.”

Georgia is also experiencing worsening drought conditions, with nearly the entire state affected.

According to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor, about 98% of Georgia is experiencing some level of drought — raising concerns for farmers during planting season.

“That’s almost like a brick. That’s just hard Georgia red clay. It is super dry,” said farmer Lee Nunn. “It’s almost like running a big piece of sandpaper over. It is so dry.”

Out west, parts of California are still seeing winter-like conditions, with heavy snowfall in the Sierra Nevada and a winter storm warning in effect over the weekend.