North Carolina is not experiencing drought or abnormally dry
conditions for the first time in three years, thanks to recent
rainfall from Tropical Storm Andrea and several other storm
systems, according to the N.C. Department of Environment and
Natural Resources. Agricultural officials in Richmond County
report damp soil and crops that are generally in good shape,
heading into the long summer. However, there may have been some
damage to crops by heavy rainfall and strong winds. The rainfall
from Tropical Storm Andrea helped eliminate lingering abnormally
dry conditions in eastern North Carolina. The last time the U.S.
Drought Monitor depicted no drought or abnormally dry conditions
in North Carolina was during the week of April 20, 2010. These
conditions are reflected on the federal drought map for North
Carolina, which is released every Thursday. To see the most
recent drought map, go to www.ncdrought.org. “Recent rains have
brought relief to the lingering dry conditions in eastern North
Carolina,” said Bob