State drought conditions improve, Brunswick County remains in severe condition(Photo/Sydney Bouchelle/WWAY)BRUNSWICK COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — Recent rainfall has improved drought conditions across much of North Carolina, but most of the state remains in moderate to severe drought, according to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor report released Thursday. State officials say Brunswick County continues to experience the most severe drought conditions in North Carolina, despite rainfall that has helped ease drought across parts of the Coastal Plain. The report, which reflects conditions from July 28 through Aug. 4, shows eastern North Carolina received more than 2 inches of rain in some areas. Officials say streamflows have improved in many parts of the state, but several reservoirs, including Falls Lake, Lake Norman and Lake Wylie, remain below target levels. The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality continues to encourage residents to conserve water, noting that hotter temperatures and increased water demand are expected through at least the next month.