Drought conditions improved across much of Northeast Texas during the month of December.  Widespread 4 to 6 inch rainfall amounts, with isolated higher amounts, were observed across the region during the month.  This was due in part to a favorable subtropical jet pattern which allowed for a southwesterly storm track into the state of Texas.  These storms systems were accompanied by Pacific and Gulf of Mexico moisture and the result was some much needed rainfall across the region.
The month of December, 2011 began with the eastern half of the state being classified as either D3 Extreme or D4 Exceptional drought conditions.  By the end of the month, the extreme northern counties of Northeast Texas, including Red River and Bowie Counties were bordering on D1 Moderate and D2 Severe classifications, while the remaining counties in Northeast Texas had seen their classification reduced to D3 Extreme Drought conditions.
The following are a few selected cities across Northeast Texas with their December rainfall totals and departures from normal as well as the 2011 rainfall totals and departures from normal.
Tyler December rainfall was 5.73. The departure from normal was +1.49.
Tyler yearly rainfall was 24.97. The departure from normal was -20.82.
Longview December rainfall was 6.26. The departure from normal was +1.77.
Longview yearly rainfall was 30.54. The departure from normal was -17.01.
Lufkin December rainfall was 6.53. The departure from normal was +2.09.
Lufkin yearly rainfall was 33.77. The departure from normal was -15.18.
Tyler, Texas 2011 rainfall total of 24.97 ranked as the 3rd driest year of record with records dating back to 1896.  Only the droughts of 2005 with 24.92 inches and 1956 with 24.01 were drier years for Tyler, Texas.
Longview, Texas 2011 rainfall total of 30.54 was the 9th driest year of record with records dating back to 1902.
Lufkin, Texas 2011 rainfall total of 33.77 was the 21st driest year of record with records dating back to 1907.

Drought in ANGELINA, TEXAS
From 01-DEC-11 00:00:00 to 31-DEC-11 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Drought in BOWIE, TEXAS
From 01-DEC-11 00:00:00 to 31-DEC-11 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Drought in CAMP, TEXAS
From 01-DEC-11 00:00:00 to 31-DEC-11 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Drought in CASS, TEXAS
From 01-DEC-11 00:00:00 to 31-DEC-11 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Drought in CHEROKEE, TEXAS
From 01-DEC-11 00:00:00 to 31-DEC-11 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Drought in FRANKLIN, TEXAS
From 01-DEC-11 00:00:00 to 31-DEC-11 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Drought in GREGG, TEXAS
From 01-DEC-11 00:00:00 to 31-DEC-11 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Drought in HARRISON, TEXAS
From 01-DEC-11 00:00:00 to 31-DEC-11 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Drought in MARION, TEXAS
From 01-DEC-11 00:00:00 to 31-DEC-11 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Drought in MORRIS, TEXAS
From 01-DEC-11 00:00:00 to 31-DEC-11 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Drought in NACOGDOCHES, TEXAS
From 01-DEC-11 00:00:00 to 31-DEC-11 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Drought in PANOLA, TEXAS
From 01-DEC-11 00:00:00 to 31-DEC-11 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Drought in RED RIVER, TEXAS
From 01-DEC-11 00:00:00 to 31-DEC-11 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Drought in RUSK, TEXAS
From 01-DEC-11 00:00:00 to 31-DEC-11 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Drought in SABINE, TEXAS
From 01-DEC-11 00:00:00 to 31-DEC-11 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Drought in SAN AUGUSTINE, TEXAS
From 01-DEC-11 00:00:00 to 31-DEC-11 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Drought in SHELBY, TEXAS
From 01-DEC-11 00:00:00 to 31-DEC-11 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Drought in SMITH, TEXAS
From 01-DEC-11 00:00:00 to 31-DEC-11 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Drought in TITUS, TEXAS
From 01-DEC-11 00:00:00 to 31-DEC-11 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Drought in UPSHUR, TEXAS
From 01-DEC-11 00:00:00 to 31-DEC-11 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Drought in WOOD, TEXAS
From 01-DEC-11 00:00:00 to 31-DEC-11 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager