It is too early to know the full gravity, and the concern for life and recover remain paramount at this time, but Hurricane Florence hurt Carolina farmers.
There is little doubt Florence delivered (and continues to do so) major damage to the region, and it will be weeks or months before we know precisely the full extent of how widespread the damage was or the economic impact.
For three days, Florence brought 70 mph and greater winds to the coastal region with 40 mph to 50 mph winds as far inland as Fayetteville, NC. And that’s just the wind. Rainfall was being measured in feet along the coast and inland.
Our prayers continue for the people this storm affected. Southeast Farm Press has our associate editor John Hart in Raleigh gathering what information is available and reporting on the storm, which is still dropping tropical storm level rain on the area as it groans north.
Social media reports tell a tough tale. A few posts follow below, and we thank these people for sharing what they are going through. If you are affected by Florence, our ears are open and eager to hear your story and share it with our readers.
The cotten outside Newton Grove in Sampson Co took a major hit from #Florence. #NCFarmBureau pic.twitter.com/0NeoJp3vdH
— NC Farm Bureau (@NCFarmBureau) September 16, 2018
Brad Warren is the owner and operator of Ten Mile Farm, Inc. located in Southeastern NC. Growing mainly cotton with some grain mixed in along the way.
Looking out my bedroom window at what’s left of what once was a 2+ bale cotton crop and it’s still pounding it. 12+ inches of rain so far. #Florence pic.twitter.com/n2I8eqbY8W
— Brad Warren (@ten_mile_cotton) September 15, 2018