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CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) -- Recent rains and moisture from Tropical Storm Beryl have helped to ease the drought in South Carolina.

The state's Drought Response Committee says while the entire state was in a moderate or severe drought recently, most of the state is now in the lowest drought status.

It continues to be dry along the Savannah River. Abbeville, Aiken, Edgefield and McCormick counties remain in a severe drought. Eight other counties in the northwestern corner of the state remain in a moderate drought.

South Carolina experienced a dry spring after one of the driest, warmest winters on record.

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