The North Carolina Departments of Agriculture and Insurance are closely monitoring Tropical Storm Debby and preparing for heavy rains across the state. The storm, arriving early in hurricane season, could bring further devastation to farmers as the end-of-season harvest has not yet begun.
During a Monday Council of State meeting, Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler expressed concerns about the storm’s potential impact on crops. Governor Roy Cooper has issued an emergency declaration to provide transportation exemptions for utility trucks, farmers, and businesses to move goods and crops out of Debby’s path without worrying about weight and size restrictions.
Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey urged residents to be cautious of deep and moving waters as Debby makes its way through the state. The storm is the fourth named storm of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season and the first to pass through North Carolina. The state continues to recover from hurricanes Matthew and Florence, with ongoing investigations into allegations of mismanagement and delays in reconstruction efforts.
Following these storms, the state has focused on rebuilding homes with more resilient roofs through programs like the Fortified Roof Program. Causey highlighted the success of this program, with nearly 12,000 homes benefitting from grants to improve roof strength.
The storms and reconstruction efforts have influenced insurance rates in the state, particularly in coastal areas. The North Carolina Rate Bureau requested a 42.2% increase in homeowner insurance rates, with some coastal areas facing a 99% increase. This request was denied by the Department of Insurance, with a legal hearing scheduled for October.
In preparation for Debby’s downpours, Duke Energy and local officials are also gearing up for potential challenges. Wayne County Sheriff Larry Pierce has activated dive teams near Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, emphasizing the community’s concerns and readiness for the storm.
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