Raleigh, N.C. — The remnants of Tropical Storm Fay brought much needed rain to western North Carolina in recent days, alleviating the worst drought conditions in the state, according to a report released Thursday.

Twenty-one counties in the western part of the state that last week were experiencing exceptional drought conditions, the worst of five categories monitored by the state Drought Management Advisory Council, are now under extreme drought, the second-worst category, the council said.

Much of the Triangle remains under moderate drought conditions, but severe drought is once again creeping into northeastern North Carolina, which a few weeks ago had been out of the drought altogether.

Robeson County and most of Hoke County are now out of the drought, according to the state council, while abnormally dry conditions extend across most of southeastern North Carolina.

The weekly drought report is based on data collected Tuesday, so the latest conditions don't reflect the heavy rains that fell across much of the state Wednesday.