Ida's rain helps S.C. refill tank

'Now's the time for recharge' after years of drought, state climatologist says

By JOEY HOLLEMAN - jholleman@thestate.com

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Fall has been extraordinarily wet in much of South Carolina, and a wet winter forecast sets up the possibility the state's respite from drought might last for a while.

In the past 13 years, 2005 is the only year without some section of the state officially in a drought. Throughout that long-term drought, statewide rainfall topped the long-term average only one year (2003), and the state's metaphoric tank fully refilled in the winter only twice (2003 and 2005).

"Now's the time for recharge, October through April," said state climatologist Hope Mizzell. "It's like we're putting it in a savings account. (This week's rainfall) is a jump-start for the winter."

The seasonal forecast calls for normal or above-normal rainfall in the state this winter. If that proves accurate, "then we can say we've fully, fully recovered" from the most recent drought, Mizzell said.

In the Upstate, which was the driest area of the state in early 2009, the levels of lakes Jocassee and Hartwell are more than 20 feet higher than a year ago.

While September and October were wet in the Midlands and Upstate, most of the Pee Dee remained dry. A weather station in Loris, in inland Horry County, had recorded only 4.89 inches from Sept. 1 through Monday. Then 6.59 inches fell in two days as the remnants of Tropical Storm Ida passed through the state, according to the climatology office.

In the Midlands, Ida's rain lifted the 2009 total rainfall above normal for the first time since spring. Through Wednesday, Columbia Metropolitan Airport had received 44.43 inches of rain this year, topping the norm through that date of 43 inches. Columbia has topped 50 inches only once (2003) in the past 13 years.

Of course, the heavy rain has its negatives. Overloaded sewage systems spilled waste into rivers in the Columbia area Wednesday. Also, farmers throughout the state are worried about the health of fall vegetable crops and their ability to harvest in the soggy fields.

Most of the peanut crop has been harvested, but excessive moisture can lead to a problematic disease in the peanuts still in the field, said Joe Smith, a fruit and vegetable inspector with the S.C. Department of Agriculture. Too much water also can damage cucumbers, squash and greens now in field, he said.

Farmers prefer rain in the summer, when it's most beneficial for the crops. But at least most of the irrigation ponds on farms should be full at the start of 2010.