RALEIGH, NC (AP) -
Recent rainfall spawned by Tropical Storm Beryl has helped rid North Carolina of drought conditions for the first time in nearly two years.
The state Department of Environment and Natural Resources said Thursday the rain helped eliminate moderate drought conditions in eastern North Carolina.
According to the department, the last time the state was drought-free was during the week of June 29, 2010.
The department said there are still 36 central and southeastern counties experiencing abnormally dry conditions. Abnormally dry is not a drought category, but instead describes less severe dry conditions, which still require heightened awareness by affected water users.
While recent rainfall has helped surface water and topsoil, the department said there is a deficit for deeper groundwater, which fills wells for individual and community water needs.
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