Rain barely dents drought
Over the last 48 hours, most of South Carolina, and the Southeast, has been feeling the edge of some depressing weather, but some much needed rain fell on the drought-stricken area.
Although the rain doesn't make for the prettiest holiday season, it is something that Aiken and much of the Southeast needs desperately. Aiken County sits over two levels of drought, meaning the need for water is somewhere between severe and extreme, according to the United States Department of Agriculture's Drought Monitor.
This means that the nearly three inches of rain that fell Saturday and Sunday are a splash in a fairly empty bucket.
On Saturday, 1.13 inches of rain fell, according to the Aiken Standard's weather station, and more than 1.5 inches fell on Sunday.
Winds picked up to a point that wind advisories were issued for Aiken and many surrounding counties. Consistent winds of 30 knots (35 mph) were reported by the NWS in those advisories.
Visibility was further impaired by fog - down to a quarter of a mile in some places.
Throughout South Carolina, events were cancelled due to the inclement weather, including the 42nd annual Governor's Carolighting.
The traditional ceremony marks the start of the holiday season with a message and then lighting of the Christmas tree. Fourteen area high school band members were selected to perform at the Carolighting. The ceremony will not be rescheduled.