WILMINGTON, NC - We reported on Monday that Hurricane Debby had become a tropical storm after making landfall on the Florida coast. Just last night, we received word that the storm is now strengthening and torrential rain is expected along the Eastern Seaboard, potentially leading to flooding as rainfall amounts could exceed 25 inches, according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC).

We learned from FOX Weather that rain coverage was limited yesterday morning due to dry air conditions. However, tides were changing as the storm continued to pull energy from the warm Atlantic waters. As of yesterday afternoon, the NHC reported that maximum sustained winds had increased to nearly 60 mph. Even higher gusts were experienced as the center of the storm approached the coast of South Carolina.

North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia have all declared states of emergency with the storm drawing nearer. Emergency declarations have also been approved for Florida, authorizing federal assistance for those four states.

At this point in time, we are unsure as to how the storm has impacted produce growers on the East Coast. However, ANUK will be sure to keep you updated as we learn more.