Bracing for Fallout: Second Hurricane hits Florida just as producers clean up from Ian

early morning flooded road from hurricane ian_Photo by pelow media_AdobeStock_537370206.jpg

A flooded road after Hurricane Ian.

Producers in Florida are once again bracing for fallout from another hurricane.

Hurricane Nicole made landfall overnight near Vero Beach and is now working its way up the East Coast as a tropical storm. Right now, winds are blowing at 60 miles per hour and Meteorologist Tim Ross says it should be a fast-moving storm that will travel all the way up to New England.

Heavy rain is expected along Nicole’s path, but given its speed, Meteorologist Brad Rippey says the sugar cane harvest should be safe.

“We still see some critically low river levels in the Mississippi Basin. Especially from the mid-Mississippi Valley, southward river levels have risen a few feet, generally one to three feet from the record lows that we saw back in October. But we’ve got a ways to go before w can turn this around in terms of rising river levels.”

This week’s USDA numbers showed 58 percent of U.S. topsoil moisture conditions is short to very short.

Related Stories
“It just seems like what was left over from the hurricane is almost like kindling to the fire. And it just seems like that’s part of our biggest problem right now...”
“The downed timber from Hurricane Helene didn’t contribute to the ignition of the fires, but it is absolutely impacting firefighters’ access to the fire...”

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Bankruptcy filings reflect prolonged margin pressure, rising debt, and limited financial flexibility across farm country. Bigger operating loans are helping farms manage costs, but they also signal growing reliance on borrowed capital.
USDA’s February WASDE report, analysts expect minimal price movement as grain stocks remain steady. Traders weigh renewed Chinese soybean purchases, South American weather, acreage shifts, and upcoming USMCA trade talks.
Nationwide highlights expanded insurance options for cattle operations and their company initiatives to promote grain bin safety and support women in agriculture.
New Holland VP Ryan Schaefer shares insights into the brand’s legacy and innovations that support U.S. cattle producers.
Corey Owens of the San Angelo Stock Show and Rodeo Association shares updates about this year’s event and its continued impact on youth, agriculture, and the San Angelo community.