The Associated Press RALEIGH Heavy rains from Tropical Storm Hanna appear to have helped some central and southern North Carolina counties struggling with water shortages and drought, according to a federal drought map released Thursday.

By CATHERINE KOZAK, JEFF HAMPTON, KRISTIN DAVIS AND LAUREN KING By Catherine Kozak, Jeff Hampton, Kristin Davis and Lauren King The Virginian-Pilot Tropical Storm Hanna paid a quick visit to the Outer Banks and checked out before noon Saturday, leaving a stiff breeze and rough surf behind.

RICHMOND, Va., Sept. 7 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Dominion Virginia Power crews worked through the night to restore electric service to all but 2,000 of the 200,000 customers affected by tropical storm Hanna.

By Jeffrey Collins and Mike Baker Associated Press MYRTLE BEACH, S.C.

RALEIGH, N.C., Sept. 3 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- North Carolina's electric cooperative officials are monitoring Tropical Storm Hanna, which is currently gaining strength off the Atlantic coast and is expected to reach hurricane status by the time it makes landfall.