North Carolina’s Departments of Agriculture and Insurance are closely monitoring Tropical Storm Debby, which is expected to bring heavy rainfall across the state. Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler expressed concerns about the impact of the storm on crops, as the harvesting season has not yet begun. The Council of State has concurred with Governor Roy Cooper’s emergency declaration to provide transportation waivers for utility trucks, farmers, and businesses to move goods and crops out of the storm’s path.
Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey urged residents to be cautious of deep and moving water, emphasizing the importance of safety during the storm. North Carolina is still recovering from the impact of Hurricanes Matthew and Florence in 2016 and 2018, with accusations of mismanagement and delayed reconstruction efforts being investigated by the state legislature.
Since then, the state government has implemented initiatives to rebuild storm-damaged homes with more resilient features, such as fortified roofs. Causey highlighted the success of the Fortified Roof Program grants, which have helped nearly 12,000 homes become more resistant to future storms.
The impact of storms on insurance rates, particularly in coastal areas, is significant. The North Carolina Rate Bureau requested a rate increase averaging 42.2% in homeowners’ insurance rates, with some coastal areas facing a 99% increase. The request was rejected by the NC Department of Insurance, with a court hearing on the rates scheduled for October.
Local officials, including Duke Energy and Sheriff Larry Pierce in Wayne County, are preparing for Debby’s impact, with concerns about potential flooding and safety hazards. North Carolina remains vigilant as the storm approaches, with a focus on resilience and safety measures to protect residents and properties.
Source
Photo credit www.carolinajournal.com
