All South Carolina counties drought-free

Average to above-average rainfall in December and January has led to the declaration that all South Carolina counties are drought-free.  The state’s drought response committee yesterday removed the incipient drought designation of 34 counties, which had been a concern for wildfires.  But, according to the state forestry commission, the wildfire threat has diminished over the past 30 days.  Hope Mizzell, state climatologist, says South Carolina has received normal rainfall, especially in the counties in the central Savannah region and the Midlands.  The immediate coast has been the driest.