Drought eases in southeast N.C.

Raleigh, N.C. — Several northeast North Carolina counties are drying out, but drought conditions continue to ease across the southeastern part of the state, according to a report issued Thursday.

The state Drought Management Advisory Council's weekly report shows 17 southeastern and coastal counties, stretching from Scotland County to Hyde and Dare counties, experiencing abnormally dry conditions. Counties in the northeast corner of the state that had been listed as abnormally dry fell back into moderate drought conditions.

The Triangle remains in moderate drought conditions, and more severe drought conditions continue to plague the western half of the state, according to the report.

The report is based on measurements taken Tuesday and doesn't account for the rain that fell across much of the state Wednesday.

Meanwhile, state and local officials met Thursday to discuss the drought and look at climate projections. State leaders are still trying to develop a water-sharing system for areas hardest hit by the drought.