Hurricane Michael Ravages Georgia, State of 2018 Pecan Crop Uncertain

Hurricane Michael struck Southwest Georgia early Thursday morning as a Category 3 before weakening to a Cat 2 and 1 as it marched across the state. Along the way, the storm downed trees and power lines, swept away pecans, and endangered thousands. Moving fast, it has now traveled into the Carolinas and is predicted to weaken further to a tropical storm. “This is disastrous for the Georgia pecan industry,” says one Georgia grower, who on the east side of I-75 experienced the storm at a Category 1. As predicted, this hurricane charged right through the heart of Georgia’s major pecan production region. It hit Georgia growers with sustained winds of 50 miles per hour with gusts of 90 to 100 miles per hour. It brought heavy rainfall and... Hundreds of thousands are without power at the moment, and Georgians are having a hard time making and receiving calls. Our staff was able to get in touch with a few industry members who were just getting their bearings post-Michael. One industry member says although their house was hit with five trees, their family is safe. Without electricity and limited phone service, they are currently having a hard time getting out of the neighborhood. “I can only imagine what it looks like out in the orchards,” this industry member says. If you'd like to share this information, please use this link: https://pecansouthmagazine.com/magazine/article/hurricane-michael-ravages-georgia-state-of-2018-crop-uncertain/