South Carolina Drought News Release
South Carolina Department of Natural Resources
Land, Water and Conservation Division
South Carolina Drought Response Program
Department of Natural Resources News (803) 734-4133
SPECIAL NEWS RELEASE June 8, 1999
The S.C. Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has been closely monitoring the below normal rainfall, low river flow
conditions, and deteriorating soil moisture that have prevailed across the state for the past 30-40 days. The statewide average
rainfall since May 1 has totaled 2.85 inches, which is 4.86 inches below normal (see below table of South Carolina
Precipitation Percent of Normal).
On the basis of these recent low precipitation totals statewide and under the authority of the S.C. Drought Response Act of
1985, the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources has issued an incipient drought declaration for the entire state. At
the incipient drought level, one of four levels defined in the legislation, the DNR increases its monitoring activities of
drought-related variables such as precipitation, temperature, runoff, streamflow, evaporation, groundwater levels, soil moisture,
reservoir levels, and other data. The DNR is also required to notify the affected areas and to serve as the primary agency to
coordinate the State's response.
South Carolina soil moisture conditions have been slowly deteriorating since late April when the state received abundant
rainfall from a passing low pressure system. This event ended the early spring incipient drought. Unfortunately, very little rain
has been received since this event and the outlook is discouraging with minimal rainfall forecasted through the weekend.
Increased temperatures are also becoming a factor with warmer days accelerating soil moisture loss and plant stress.
Evaporation rates are averaging 0.30+ inches per day.
The National Agricultural Statistics Service reports that 79 percent of the state has short to very short soil moisture.
Only 21 percent of the state has adequate moisture. Precipitation over these next few weeks will be a key determining factor
as to whether many crops will have normal yields this year. Corn is particularly endangered.
The Forestry Commission records show that wildfire occurrence for June is already far above average. Firefighters say that
wildfires will become increasingly difficult to control as soil moisture continues to drop. Wildfire can be especially devastating
to timber resources when the weather is hot and dry. Forest managers say trees that are not killed outright by the fire become
extremely susceptible to insect and disease attacks.
The below normal rainfall has resulted in lower stream flow. The present streamflows in these affected streams are at
one-third or less of their historical June flows. Extremely low flows are being reported in the west central portions of the state.
Low flows impact fish and wildlife, water withdrawals, and water quality. DNR is monitoring river and streamflows, and
reservoir and groundwater levels on a daily basis. This information is available to the public as a 24-hour service via Internet.
A Department survey of water suppliers across the state indicates that most reserves are adequate to meet the increased
demand. A few water suppliers are encouraging voluntary water reductions to mitigate problems due to heightened demand.
Supply is, thus far, not an immediate problem.
According to Dr. Michael Helfert, State Climatologist, "Unregulated streams may experience water shortages in the near
future unless rainfall increases." The Drought Response Committee encourages local water suppliers to review drought
response ordinances and plans for their area. The Department's Drought Information Center has been activated in Columbia,
and the public is asked to contact the Center at (803)737- 0800 if they need additional information, or if other problems
arise.
| Station |
Rainfall
(inches) |
Deviation Normal |
Station |
Rainfall
(inches) |
Deviation Normal |
| Anderson |
2.29 |
-2.55 |
Fort Mill |
2.35 |
-2.2 |
| Branchville |
4.87 |
-0.91 |
Gaffney |
2.35 |
-2.98 |
| Beaufort |
5.07 |
-0.38 |
Georgetown |
0.21 |
-5.49 |
| Blackville |
4.08 |
-1.24 |
Greenville-Spartanburg |
3.08 |
-2.47 |
| Cades |
3.98 |
-0.64 |
Johnston |
2.37 |
-2.49 |
| Calhoun Falls |
2.76 |
-2.02 |
Sumter |
3.28 |
-1.75 |
| Myrtle Beach |
3.8 |
-0.82 |
Union |
1.79 |
-2.93 |
| Camden |
2.29 |
-2.16 |
Walhalla |
1.46 |
-4.86 |
| Charleston |
4.03 |
-1.57 |
Walterboro |
3.24 |
-2.71 |
| Clinton |
1.53 |
-3.17 |
|
|
|
| Columbia |
0.79 |
-4.05 |
|
|
|
| Conway |
4.17 |
-1.63 |
|
|
|
| Florence |
1.58 |
-3.03 |
|
|
|
Find out more about the State Climatology Office at http://www.dnr.sc.gov/climate/sco/ or by calling (803) 734-9100.
