Heavy rain eases North Carolina drought

RALEIGH, N.C., Sept. 11 (UPI) -- Heavy rain has ended the drought in North Carolina's Research Triangle, a government report said.

The latest map by the U.S. Drought Monitor said Wake, Orange, Durham, Johnston and Chatham counties are no longer considered "moderate drought" areas, although they are still classified as "abnormally dry," the Raleigh News & Observer said Thursday.

The report said nearly 6 1/2 inches of rain have fallen at Raleigh-Durham International Airport so far this month.

North Carolina still has 29 counties listed as moderate drought areas.