"Drought Crisis Worsens: North Carolina and South Carolina Face Expanding Drought Conditions"

The severe drought in North Carolina has quadrupled in size, now affecting 32% of the state, with the majority of the affected area located in Western North Carolina. Nine western counties, including Rutherford, Buncombe, and Henderson, are now in a severe drought, while far western counties like Cherokee, Clay, and Graham are completely engulfed. Henderson County remains under a Stage 2A water shortage alert, with residents expected to reduce water usage by 20%. Buncombe County has issued a burn ban due to dry and windy conditions.