Cabarrus drought intensifies as part of county reaches most severe level

The southernmost portion of Cabarrus is now in an exceptional drought, the state’s highest designation, as officials urge conservation and warn restrictions could follow.

The southern portion of Cabarrus is under an exceptional drought designation.

For Cabarrus County, the drought isn’t easing — it’s intensifying.

Despite a few recent bouts of rain, conditions across the region have continued to deteriorate. Most of the county remains in an extreme drought, according to the North Carolina Drought Management Advisory Council, but a troubling shift has emerged.