Hurricane Milton made landfall in Florida Wednesday night. The storm killed several people, knocked out power to more than three million people, and toppled a construction crane. At the same time, it didn't materialize as the lethal storm surge that scientists feared. Milton made landfall as a Category 3 storm, encountering some significant wind shear when it came inland.
What is the impact on fresh produce in the state? "Assessments are just beginning," says Drew Lerner with World Weather, Inc. The expectation is there will be losses to the produce industry, but there is not enough information available yet to make assessments. However, what is known is that Polk County, Florida's number one citrus growing county, saw some of the strongest winds. "As a result, I expect citrus fruit to be on the ground, not just in Polk County, but in the state's entire citrus production region." The citrus season is just weeks away from starting.
In addition to fruit being on the ground, Lerner expects tree damage as well, but believes it will be limited to Polk, Manatee, Hillsborough, Sarasota, and possibly northwestern Hardee counties. In addition, it is strawberry planting season, and vegetables are in the ground. Florida's West Central region, where many different fruits and vegetables are grown, probably saw the greatest impact of excessive wind and some flooding. "However, it may take a few days to get feedback on the impact Hurricane Milton had on fruits and vegetables in the state."
Source: National Hurricane Center.
For more information:
Drew Lerner
World Weather, Inc.
Tel: (913) 383-1161
[email protected]
www.worldweather.cc