Drought Conditions Worsen in The Carolinas

Three-quarters of South Carolina’s counties have been designated primary natural disaster areas because of persistent drought.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture said in September 35 of the state’s 46 counties have the designation because of damages and losses caused by excessive heat and drought that began May 1.

All qualified farm operators in the designated areas are eligible for low-interest loans to help offset losses that might not be covered by crop insurance. They have eight months to apply for the loans from the USDA’s Farm Service Agency. Officials say farmers and ranchers in 10 counties next to the disaster areas also qualify for federal assistance.

The North Carolina Drought Management Advisory Council said Sept. 25 that 16 counties in western North Carolina are also considered to be in a severe drought.

The National Weather Service reports the Charlotte area was about 7 inches below normal in rainfall. Meteorologist Neil Dixon told The Charlotte Observer that conditions in the Charlotte area were slightly above normal through April but that the region has been below normal since May. Asheville had received nearly 27 inches of rain as of Sept. 25. The normal amount is about 34 inches.

Heavy rains that fell at the end of September could help conditions. Hydrologist Joshua Palmer with the National Weather Service office in Greer, S.C., said the steady nature of the rain should give the water time to seep into the soil and replenish streams.