The Nation - News from July 4, 1988

Showers brought some relief from the drought in parts of the Southeast and plains states, and strong storms were reported in parts of Texas. Showers and thunderstorms were reported in northwestern North Dakota and from southwestern Oklahoma across northwestern Texas. A tornado touched down briefly near Rising Star, Tex., and thunderstorm winds gusted to 67 m.p.h. at Alice, Tex. There were no reports of serious damage or injuries. Nearly 1 inch of rain fell at Anniston, Ala., two-thirds of an inch at Columbus, Ga. and Lafayette, La., and one-third of an inch at Pensacola, Fla., the weather service said. In Ohio, one of the hardest-hit states where beef and grain farmers are facing trying times because of the drought, grape growers in the western part of the state were anticipating a vintage year for wines.