Even as rain has fallen over much of North Carolina, most of the state is still facing drought conditions. The rain has not made up for double-digit precipitation deficits that have been building since last fall. North Carolinians are encouraged to conserve water as the long-running drought continues to impact water reservoirs and other water supplies.
Ongoing rainfall that has brought flash flooding to parts of the state is expected to yield short-term improvements in drought conditions. However, this rain is not expected to allow the state to fully recover from a months-long drought, which has brought rainfall deficits of more than 20 inches in some parts of the state.
The public should check with their local water supply system for any information on water use restrictions that may be in place, such as restrictions on sprinklers, car washing or other measures. Systems may also have tips for conserving water, such as washing only full loads of laundry.
According to the classifications released Thursday by the North Carolina Drought Management Advisory Council, two counties, Brunswick and Rockingham, are in exceptional drought, the highest drought classification. Another 32 counties are in extreme drought, 48 counties are in severe drought and seven counties are in moderate drought. Eleven counties are classified as abnormally dry.
DMAC’s drought map is updated weekly on Thursdays, based on conditions through the previous Tuesday. To view North Carolina’s drought map, visit ncdrought.org.