There are several reasons why we’ve already seen a busy Atlantic storm season. According to a story from Gary Crawford, one has to do with what’s going on, or rather not going on in the tropical Pacific Ocean.
Cristobal Churning Towards Gulf Coast
By Clint Thompson Tropical Depression Cristobal’s expected movement into the Gulf of Mexico should bring much-needed rainfall to North Florida and South Alabama. Pam Knox, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Agricultural Climatologist, says rains over the next week should alleviate some of those drought conditions. “The whole Florida Panhandle and then stretching west into the Mobile (Ala.) area has been …
EWP Helps Landowners After a Natural Disaster
With the 2020 Hurricane Season officially here, USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) wants to remind landowners that if your area suffers damage from a natural disaster, the Emergency Watershed Protection Program (EWP) can help relieve imminent hazards to life and property caused by floods, fires, windstorms and hurricanes. Aid may include financial and technical assistance to remove debris from …
Florida NRCS: Hurricane Season Begins
With the 2020 Hurricane Season here, and the fact forecasters have predicted an active one, workers are finishing repairs in Florida from Hurricane Michael which hit back in October of 2018. USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) provided $20 million in Bay, Gulf, Gadsden and Walton counties to remove debris in canals, ditches and streams to prevent flooding and to …
South Alabama Counties Remain Dry
By Clint Thompson Drought conditions continue along the Gulf Coast. Mobile and Baldwin counties in southern Alabama are classified in ‘D2’ or severe drought status by the U.S. Drought Monitor. John Cristy, Alabama state climatologist, says June is a “real critical month.” The influx of irrigation being utilized by the state’s farmers will help during these hot and dry periods. …
Little Projected Rainfall Means More Irrigation Needed
By Clint Thompson Limited rainfall over the next couple of weeks means row crop growers need to be irrigating early and often to get their seed producing. University of Georgia Cooperative Extension irrigation specialist Wes Porter said water requirements for cotton and peanuts is low early in the season. But they do still require water. “If we’re absolutely getting no …
Commissioner Nikki Fried, Florida Forest Service Warn Floridians of Increased Wildfire Danger
Tallahassee, Fla.– Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried and the Florida Forest Service are urging Floridians to exercise caution due to the increased threat of wildfires. Fire danger has increased throughout the state due to windy conditions and critically low relative humidity over the coming days. Gusty conditions are possible in the Panhandle and Big Bend with the passage of a dry …
Farm Recovery Block Grant Deadline for Georgia Farmers is April 30
By Clint Thompson The Farm Recovery Block Grant deadline for Georgia farmers who were dealt financial losses by Hurricane Michael is Thursday, April 30. The Georgia Department of Agriculture is accepting online applications. The block grant funds include $347 million. This block grant program is designed to compensate producers for losses and expenses in seven categories of assistance, according to …
Florida Drought Leads to Water Restrictions in Lee County
By Clint Thompson Florida’s long drought has led to water restrictions on Lee County in the southwest part of the state. On Friday, the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) and Lee County announced mandatory irrigation restrictions. According to the press release, the restrictions addressed low aquifer levels. “On the coast, they rely a lot more on wells, well fields. …
Big Storm Could Bring Severe Weather to the South
A big storm could bring severe weather to the southern part of the country. Stephanie Ho has the story.