Drought in Oconee Mountains, South Carolina

Much needed rainfall, especially early in the month resulted in slight improvement of drought conditions across Upstate South Carolina in December. In fact, thanks to the rainfall, extreme drought conditions had retreated to primarily the Georgia border counties. Nevertheless, monthly rainfall totals were still below normal levels, while final yearly totals were 15 to 20 inches below normal in most locations. Levels were well below normal on all area streams and reservoirs were several feet below target elevations. All communities continued to observe voluntary water restrictions.