1.   The drought predictions for the state could change if powerful Hurricane Floyd churning in the Atlantic and other tropical storms dump a lot of rain on the state.

2.   The governor also asked all cities and water suppliers to prepare water conservation plans to put in effect if the drought predictions prove accurate.

3.   The results, he said, should help in monitoring environmental change and improve drought predictions.

4.   He said the project would improve seasonal drought predictions and measure the impact of land use on climate change.