Tropical Storm Arthur Brings Drought Relief to North Carolina Farms

Tropical Storm Arthur has brought much-needed rain to drought-hit parts of North Carolina. The storm made landfall in Texas before moving across the state, easing dry conditions in key farming regions. Arthur first hit Matagorda, Texas, as a tropical storm. It then tracked into North Carolina, where forecasts predicted 1 to 3 inches of rain for many areas. The National Hurricane Center warned of heavy downpours and possible life-threatening flash flooding in the Southeast US.

The storm’s remnants are now heading towards the Atlantic Ocean near the Outer Banks and Crystal Coast. High winds and dangerous rip currents are expected along East Coast beaches. Central North Carolina, however, is likely to stay in some level of drought through September.

Raleigh-Durham International Airport recorded its first measurable rain in 23 days because of Arthur. The rainfall provided relief to agricultural zones struggling with exceptional, extreme, or severe drought. Agriculture and agribusiness contribute $102 billion annually to North Carolina’s economy, with the state leading national production of sweetpotatoes, all tobacco, flue-cured tobacco, and poultry and eggs. Arthur’s rain has temporarily eased drought pressures in North Carolina. The storm’s movement towards the Atlantic may bring further coastal hazards. Farmers in the state will continue to monitor conditions as drought persists in some regions.