All are feeling “some level of drought”

All of South Carolina is now at “some level of drought” — as the state’s drought response committee upgraded the drought designation for all counties, which had previously been normal or no drought.  Oconee is rated “incipient” the first stage of drought levels. Driving this decision are the impacts to crops and livestock producers, rapidly declining stream flows and an elevated number of wildfires. The U-S Farm Service Agency in South Carolina confirms the drought has severely impacted the corn crop, with many at greater than 50% yield loss.  A grower in Elbert County, Georgia says his corn crop will be a total loss. There is concern about maintaining electric power service. Bob Faires, Seneca utilities director, last night said crews are moving loads among city electric circuits to help avoid the potential for blackouts.