Drought conditions continue to improve

UNDATED - The drought continues to ease its grip on the Gainesville area and the rest of North Georgia.

According to the latest report on the U.S. Drought Monitor Web site, for the first time in several months no part of Georgia is in the deepest throes of a drought - the "exceptional" category.

The drought in Gainesville and most of North Georgia is now classified as "extreme," still significant but not as bad as it has been.

However, the experts say months of above-average rainfall are still needed to break the drought.

Recent rains continue to replenish water tables and reservoirs, such as Lake Lanier. The level of Lanier was at 1056.28 early Wednesday; it has been rising since Jan. 10, when it was 1051.18, and the lake is now 14.72 feet below full pool.

The rainfall deficit for the year in Gainesville is 2.94 inches.