The long drought across eastern North Carolina ended this past weekend and Hurricane Irene moved through the area.  Nearly all communities east of Interstate 95 received over 6 inches of rainfall.  Locations along and just east of Highway 17 collected just over 1 foot of rain.  Many communities now have above average rainfall for the year.  Only Duplin and Wayne counties are considered abnormally dry at this point.  We should remain dry for the next few days but more showers can be expected by early next week.