Warnings go out over possible damage to crops from Debby

Hurricane season, which started June 1, can be especially volatile for Georgia’s biggest economic driver: agriculture. And Hurricane Debby — now currently downgraded a tropical storm — is that volatility in action. 

The Georgia Department of Agriculture said it was aware of several large farms in South Georgia without power as a result of Hurricane Debby making landfall in the area Monday morning but the agency continues to warn farmers, primarily about impacts from flooding. 

Spokesperson Matthew Agvent said the agency is working with partners on assessing damage and will reach out to affected businesses immediately once the storm passes.

“The greatest threat to the state’s agriculture industry remains the potential for prolonged rains and flooding across South Georgia,” said Agvent in an email. 

The National Hurricane Center called rainfall from Hurricane Debby a "level four out of four risk" starting in Southeast Georgia today. 

• UPDATES: Hurricane Debby impacts Georgia. Here's what you need to know

Meanwhile, Pam Knox of the University of Georgia Weather Network said she sent notices to extension offices around the state this morning regarding possible damage from Hurricane Debby. 

Crops such as melons that come in contact with flood water "will have to be discarded," wrote Knox. Meanwhile, she said cotton and peanut crops not yet ready for harvest will likely be spared. 

Corn crop losses are also possible due to rain and high winds. According to readings from the Weather Network’s station in Lowndes County winds reached close to 50 miles per hour this morning. 

The notice to the UGA Extension offices around the state included warnings about standing water in crop fields and possible farm pond overflows, which can cause contamination. 

"With ground that was already saturated in many places, flooding is likely," Knox said in an email. "There will be water everywhere."

The Georgia Department of Public Health is also urging people to stay out of moving or standing water that could be contaminated with debris, gasoline or sewage, and if necessary, to wear protective clothing. 

Meanwhile Georgia Department of Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper wrote on X this morning that the department “stands ready” to assist in the storm aftermath. 

The agency has not yet made any broad estimates of damage.

The previous major storm to hit South Georgia was Hurricane Idalia, which made landfall in Georgia as a Category 2 last September.

The Georgia Department of Agriculture reported damage from that storm to produce, pecan, poultry and dairy farms from downed power, trees and powerful wind gusts. Just over $3 million in losses were estimated across several counties. 

Farmers will have to document evidence of crop damage to their local Farm Service Agency in order to receive assistance under programs such as the USDA Federal Crop Insurance Program and Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program within 72 hours of discovering damage and are discouraged from cleaning up damage until after an environmental assessment has been conducted.