Drought conditions worsen

Drought conditions are getting worse throughout the state.

The US Drought Monitor reported today that 66 percent of the state is now suffering from exceptional drought, which is the most intense drought category.

It was 56 percent last week.

Exceptional drought conditions exist in the western half of the state and extend through both the triad and triangle, small sections along the Virginia border, and much of the coast.

The drought is the worst in North Carolina history.

State officials say water systems serving almost four million people are under mandatory water restrictions, and 14 systems have water supplies of less than 100 days.