COLUMBUS COUNTY, N.C. (WECT) – The majority of Columbus County has been upgraded to a severe drought classification, according to the North Carolina Drought Management Advisory Council.

Per DMAC, the upgraded classification comes as 99.98 percent of the state is in a drought or experiencing abnormally dry conditions.

Whiteville, Chadbourn, Fair Bluff, Lake Waccamaw and Hallsboro are included in the severe drought area.

Moderate drought conditions were expanded to 69 counties, while another 21 have been classified as being abnormally dry.

“Groundwater and surface water reservoirs typically see higher demand for water during the summer, and the ongoing dry conditions could result in water restrictions. For counties in the D2 classification, the DMAC strongly encourages counties to consider implementing drought response actions, including the implementation of Water Shortage Response Plans, if not already enacted; to participate in regional coordination of water resources; and to eliminate nonessential uses of water, among other recommendations,” DMAC states.

Copyright 2024 WECT. All rights reserved.