Rains help lessen the intensifying drought

Significant rains have led to improving drought indicators statewide.  A member of the South Carolina Drought Response Committee, Athena Strickland, says in the last two weeks in the northeast/Pee Dee areas rain has measured between 2 and 6 inches, with more indicated for the immediate forecast.  However, while the Little Pee Dee River and the Black River have shown some increase in flow, both remain extremely low.  While forecasts look encouraging, it could be weeks to months of normal rain to fully recover.  The committee yesterday heard from farmers and agriculture reps who stress that for some farms and pastures, the rain was too little and too late.  Lower temps and thunderstorms have in many areas reduced wildfire danger.