California drought levels recede in the face of winter storms

Rain collects on a windowpane in Oakland, California, on February 27, as storm systems continue to move across the state [Godofredo A Vásquez/AP Photo]

California has seen drought levels recede after a series of winter storms pummeled the western United States with snow and rainfall, a boon to a state where extreme drought and water access have been a persistent concern.

As of Thursday, the US Drought Monitor found that about 49 percent of California remained under a moderate or severe drought, but the rest of the state was free of drought or simply “abnormally dry”.