DALLAS -- All the rain we've been getting has had a big impact on our drought and lake levels.
Water has been pouring out of the flood gates at Lake Ray Roberts for almost a week. The gates aren't completely open, but people who live nearby have been told they may have to evacuate their homes if the flooding gets worse.
The heavy rain we've received over the last month hasn't eliminated the drought entirely, but it has improved conditions tremendously. The Tarrant Regional Water District announced Friday that it will lift Stage 1 drought conditions next week after 23 months of the restrictions being in place.
In just a month, our lakes that have been empty for years are now filling up again -- just in time for summer.
According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, 35 percent of the state is still in drought, but that number is down from 40 percent last week.
The last time Texas was officially free of drought was back in 2010.
In Mineral Wells, water restrictions have been terminated. Just last month officials were considering closing the city pool because of the drought.
More rain is expected to fall on North Texas this weekend. Check our Weather page for updates.
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