RALEIGH, N.C. (WHKY) — Recent rain has brought some relief to North Carolina, but state officials say most of the state remains in drought and residents in the hardest-hit areas should continue conserving water.

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality says almost the entire state received rain during the past week, easing the year-long drought in some locations. However, portions of several counties remain in extreme drought, while part of Brunswick County remains in exceptional drought, the most severe classification.

Conditions remain especially dry in portions of the northern Piedmont. State officials say reservoirs and groundwater supplies in some areas remain below normal.

Closer to the Hickory region, Lake Norman and Lake Wylie in the Catawba River Basin remain below their target elevations.

State water officials are encouraging residents to check with their local water providers for conservation measures or restrictions and to continue limiting unnecessary water use.