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ANDERSON, S.C. (AP) -- Lake Hartwell has seen its best gains in water level since spring over the past two weeks.

The Anderson Independent-Mail reported that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports that water levels in the lake were up more than 18 inches between Nov. 25 and Dec. 5.

Water levels increased for 11 straight days as more rain than expected fell in the region.

Billy Birdwell with the corps says winter is the rainy season for the area. The corps operates the lake and lakes Russell and Thurmond farther downstream on the South Carolina-Georgia state line.

Birdwell says the winter rains have started early this year.

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