Raleigh, NC – Eastern North Carolina continues to struggle with worsening drought conditions despite recent rain, according to updates from the U.S. Drought Monitor and the National Weather Service. Moderate Drought (D1) areas expanded again this week, particularly across the Coastal Plain and northeastern counties.
According to the North Carolina Drought Management Advisory Council, parts of the Foothills saw improvement following several inches of rainfall last week, including a half-foot rise at the W. Kerr Scott Reservoir. However, many eastern sites again missed significant precipitation, causing streamflow and soil moisture levels to decline.
The U.S. National Weather Service in Newport/Morehead City reported Saturday that while some coastal locations benefited from Hurricane Imelda’s 4-inch rainfall totals, most of the region remains classified as “Abnormally Dry” or in “Moderate Drought.” Bladen County agricultural officials note that recent dryness has caused additional stress on unharvested crops such as cotton, peanuts, and soybeans.
Looking ahead, NOAA’s 6–10 Day Precipitation Outlook projects below-normal rainfall across the Carolinas from October 10–14, with a continued risk of worsening drought east of I-95. A moderate to high rip current threat is also expected along most beaches due to strong easterly swells through early next week.
