Rainfall totals for the first quarter of 2018 trended much lower than the same period in 2017, according to data released this week by the Choctawhatchee, Pea and Yellow Rivers Watershed Management Authority.

The Choc-Pea Authority recorded 12.80 inches of rain at Yellow River on Hwy. 84 compared to 21.74 inches of rain in the same period in 2017.

Choc-Pea also monitors rainfall at Yellow River on Hwy. 55. Year to date, the agency has recorded 15.36 inches of rain on Hwy. 55, compared to 16.28 inches of rain in the same period of 2017.

After a very dry December, drought watches raised concerns for Covington County. But a rainy February eased the issue.