MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — The Alabama Office of Water Resources has placed 18 more counties under a drought emergency.

AL.com reports the Tuesday declaration means that 46 of the state’s 67 counties – more than two-thirds – have been designated at emergency level, the most severe drought level.

The latest counties to be added to the list are in west and east-central Alabama and include Montgomery County and Tuscaloosa County. Most of the northern half of the state had been previously classified at that level.

Officials say the emergency declaration is for informational and advisory purposes; it does not mandate any changes in water usage.

October is normally the driest month of the year, but rainfall this year was far below normal, with some cities such Birmingham and Mobile receiving no rain.