USDA Aids Farmers After Hurricanes Milton, Helene

The United States Department of Agriculture is stepping in to assist agricultural producers affected by Hurricanes Milton and Helene, emphasizing the importance of maintaining farm viability in the wake of widespread destruction. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack highlighted the immediate and secondary impacts of the hurricanes, which are likely to complicate logistics and supply chains for farmers in the Southeast. Meteorologist Roger Martin noted the extensive reach of Hurricane Helene, indicating that its effects are felt far beyond just Florida, impacting areas up through the Appalachians. This season has seen a series of hurricanes, with President Biden warning that Hurricane Milton could be one of the worst to hit Florida in a century. Experts are concerned that while the frequency of major storms may be decreasing, the intensity and impact of those that do occur are increasing. The Outer Banks community, while mostly spared, is aware of the potential for catastrophic impacts from hurricanes, as they prepare for the ongoing season.