Syracuse, N.Y. — A drought warning has been declared for parts of Western and Central New York as dry conditions continue to worsen, according to the state Department of Environmental Conservation.

The latest warning covers Chautauqua, Erie, Niagara, Genesee, Orleans, Monroe, Wayne, Cayuga, Oswego, and Jefferson counties.

These areas are currently classified as abnormally dry or in a severe drought on the U.S. Drought Monitor scale, meaning they’ve experienced a prolonged period of dryness.

Some of the counties were previously on drought watch which is less severe than a warning.

Residents in the areas may notice stunted crop growth, elevated fire danger and declining surface water levels. Areas with dryer conditions may see an increase in wildfires and below-normal lake and reservoi

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