Rainfall improves drought status in South Carolina

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Rainfall has eased the drought status in much of South Carolina.

The State newspaper reported (http://bit.ly/UJgQS5) that early winter rain improved the drought status in much of the Upstate.

But conditions are worse along the south coast.

The South Carolina Drought Response Committee on Thursday improved the drought status in 26 counties from the severe category to the moderate classification.

But the committee downgraded conditions from minor to moderate for Beaufort and Charleston counties.

Charleston International Airport had its driest January on record, with barely more than one third of an inch.

Some rainfall recording stations in Greenville, Oconee and Pickens counties had more than 14 inches of rain last month.

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Information from: The State, http://www.thestate.com