Kentucky has lifted Level 1 drought declarations for all 120 counties following recent rainfall from the remnants of Hurricane Helene, the Energy and Environment Cabinet announced Thursday.
The precipitation has replenished rain deficits, restored streamflows, and improved soil moisture levels, according to the state’s climatology office and drought mitigation team.
Drought conditions had been declared on Sept. 23, when moderate to severe dryness spread across the state.
Officials said several days of light to moderate rain helped ease conditions, allowing moisture to seep back into the soil and return soil moisture to pre-summer levels. However, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor on Oct. 1, Martin County and surrounding counties remained abnormally dry.
Streamflows have also normalized and drinking water supplies are no longer a concern, according to the Energy and Environment Cabinet.
The Kentucky Division of Water will continue monitoring water resources statewide, officials added.