Conditions here remain severely dry.  However we have received 1.16 inches of rain in the last 48 hours.  this was our first measurable rain in over 3 weeks.  NC is currently classed as severely dry and has re-instituted "no outside burning" restrictions.  Warnings are out for very high fire danger.  We are currently under a "Stage 2" water use restriction for car washing, lawn watering, etc. until further notice.  Some large trees in our neighborhood are showing stress signs of yellowing leaves near tree tops. Grass and shrub planted roadside strips also show stress and some yellowing leaves.  The recent rain will help but we need more.