WEEKLY SOUTH CAROLINA WEATHER 2009

April 6, 2009 - April 12, 2009

WEATHER SUMMARY:

High winds, associated with a strong pressure gradient, were observed on Monday. The Marion Airport measured a west wind gusting to 52 mph. Late season cold overspread the state Tuesday with a "trace" of snow reported at both Caesars Head and Table Rock. Wednesday morning's low temperatures fell to near freezing with areas of frost threatening the early spring plantings. Warming began on Thursday and by Friday afternoon the thermometer had risen to around 80 degrees across the eastern half of the state. A fast-moving frontal boundary collided against the spring conditions Friday evening producing a deadly and damaging tornadic outbreak. Preliminary reports indicate tornadoes occurring in Oconee, Pickens, Anderson, Union, Abbeville, Greenwood, Union and Aiken counties. The twisters within the counties of Allendale and Abbeville, rated EF2, and Aiken County, rated EF3, causing substantial damage and property loss. Parts of Greenwood and Anderson County were pelted with 1.75-inch diameter hail. Adjacent thunderstorms produced passing, heavy rains. McCormick measured 2.44 inches and Sandy Springs 1.94 inches. Mostly sunny, mild weather returned for the weekend. The state average temperature for the period was three degrees below normal.

The highest official temperature reported was 81 degrees at Bamberg, Manning, Orangeburg, Barnwell, Marion, Effingham, Conway and Jamestown on April 10. The lowest official temperature reported was 25 degrees at the Walhalla Fish Hatchery (Jocassee) on April 8. The heaviest 24-hour rainfall reported was 2.77 inches at Hunts Bridge ending at 7:00 a.m. on April 11. The state average rainfall for the period was 0.7 inches.

PRECIPITATION:

                            
                                                                                                     Precipitation                    
                       Weekly   Jan 1   Departure     
                        Total   Total   from Avg
         Greer           1.92   15.70      0.3
      Columbia           0.95    8.98     -5.5
    Orangeburg           0.95   10.71     -3.8
 Charlotte, NC           1.19   11.63     -1.6
   Augusta, GA           0.63   12.41     -2.1
      Florence           0.55    7.88     -4.4
N Myrtle Beach           0.22    8.07     -4.0
    Charleston           0.13    9.39     -3.0
  Savannah, GA           0.09   11.88      0.0  


  
                            





Weekly rainfall totals ending midnight Sunday.

SOIL:

4-inch depth average soil temperature: Columbia 63 degrees.

RIVERS AND SURF:

South Carolina river stages were near normal. Ocean water temperatures at Springmaid Pier Myrtle Beach were reported at 61 degrees.