Emergency Programs - Historical Disaster Information

Historical Disaster Information for Farms and Agribusinesses

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Recent Updates:

Hurricane Helene Emergency Movement of Hay From Areas Under Quarantine for Imported Fire Ant

Livestock Donation Supply Sites 

Hurricane/Tropical Storm Helene:

(Updated 10/16/2024)

NCDA&CS offers cleanup and disposal assistance for pesticides

RALEIGH – The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services urges farmers and homeowners to evaluate pesticides and other chemical storage areas when cleaning up from Hurricane Helene. 
“If your pesticide or fertilizer storage area was underwater because of flooding or if there was structural damage due to high winds or tornadoes, materials could be damaged, leaked or spilled,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “There are ways to safely handle and remove these chemicals. Do not mix chemicals when cleaning up due to potential reactions. A good rule of thumb is to keep solids separate from liquids and keep unlike chemicals separate.”

Full release
 

Homeowners should review termite treatment agreements if flooding caused substantial damage

RALEIGH – Hurricane Helene not only flooded many areas, knocked out power and destroyed the possessions of thousands of homeowners and businesses in North Carolina, it may have washed away household termite protection as well, Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler said today.  
Full release here

 

Updated 10/3/2024)

SBA Launches Disaster Assistance for North Carolina Residents and Businesses Impacted by Tropical Storm Helene

WASHINGTON – Low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) are available to businesses and residents in North Carolina following the announcement of a Presidential disaster declaration for Tropical Storm Helene that began on Sept. 25.

Full Release Here

Fact Sheet Here

 

(Updated 10/2/2024)

IRS granting dyed diesel penalty relief as a result of Hurricane Helene

WASHINGTON — In response to disruptions resulting from Hurricane Helene, the Internal Revenue Service will not impose a penalty when dyed diesel fuel with a sulfur content that does not exceed 15 parts-per-million is sold for use or used on the highway throughout Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina and in the following counties in Florida, Tennessee and Virginia:

Florida: Alachua, Bay, Bradford, Calhoun, Charlotte, Citrus, Collier, Columbia, Dixie, Escambia, Franklin, Gadsden, Gilchrist, Gulf, Hamilton, Hernando, Hillsborough, Holmes, Jackson, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lee, Leon, Levy, Liberty, Madison, Manatee, Marion, Monroe, Okaloosa, Pasco, Pinellas, Santa Rosa, Sarasota, Sumter, Suwannee, Taylor, Union, Wakulla, Walton and Washington counties.

Tennessee: Carter, Cocke, Greene, Hamblen, Hawkins, Johnson, Unicoi and Washington counties.

Virginia: City of Galax, Grayson, Smyth, Tazewell, Washington, Wise and Wythe counties.

This relief is retroactive to Sept. 26, 2024, and will remain in effect through Oct. 15, 2024.

This penalty relief is available to any person that sells or uses dyed diesel fuel for highway use. In the case of the operator of the vehicle in which the dyed diesel fuel is used, the relief is available only if the operator or the person selling such fuel pays the tax of 24.4 cents per gallon that is normally applied to diesel fuel for highway use.

The IRS will not impose penalties for failure to make semimonthly deposits of tax for dyed diesel fuel sold for use or used in diesel powered vehicles on the highway in these areas during the relief period. IRS Publication 510, Excise Taxes, has information on the proper method for reporting and paying the tax.

Ordinarily, dyed diesel fuel is not taxed, because it is sold for uses exempt from excise tax, such as to farmers for farming purposes, for home heating use and to local governments.

The IRS is closely monitoring the situation and will provide additional relief as needed.

 

(Updated 10/1/24)  Animal shelters and boarding facilities: Around 200 shelters and boarding kennels are licensed by the NCDA&CS Animal Welfare Section in the counties impacted by Hurricane Helene. Our staff is currently in contact with 95 percent of them and continuously monitor their needs. All registered shelters in impacted area have been in contact with the Animal Welfare Section staff. 

The ASPCA and BISSELL Pet Foundation are working to relocate adoptable animals to other rescues and shelters in state and out of state.  This relocation will allow shelters to have room for the expected influx of strays and owned pets that will need a place to stay.  Additionally, county emergency management is utilizing CAMETs (Companion Animal Mobile Equipment Shelter) at shelters to help those that have been forced to leave their homes house pets.

Monetary donations can be given through ASPCA and BISSELL Pet Foundation. The ASPCA is currently looking for space for a distribution center that will accept donations. They are looking for a spot that is located near the impacted area.  Information on how to donate supplies for this facility to help pets in need in Western North Carolina will be coming in a few days.

BISSELL Pet Foundation - https://www.bissellpetfoundation.org/
ASPCA - https://www.aspca.org/
 

companion animals being loaded on airplane for transport to other shelters

All of these pets are from Asheville Humane Society. They were in the shelter and available for adoption prior to the storm. BISSELL Pet Foundation provided air transport to get them to Winston-Salem where they went to Forsyth Humane Society, SPCA of Wake County, Humane Society of Charlotte, and a few other shelters in North Carolina.

 

(Update 9/29/24) North Carolina’s agriculture community is strong and resilient and always willing to step up for others in need. Many people are asking about getting supplies to our neighbors out West and we know the need will be great. A number of organizations are on the ground in these hard hit communities working already. Working through these organizations is the best way right now for citizens to have an immediate impact.

Western NC has seen major damage including significant damage to roads, cell towers and electrical systems making the area unsafe. Work is focused on rescuing those trapped, restoring communication systems and power.

Though well intended, emergency responders have asked that citizens not come to Western N.C. to leave roads clear for emergency responders.

If you would like to assist, please consider making a donation or signing up to volunteer through the organizations set up to assist. Monetary donations can stretch farther through groups that can purchase in bulk and have transportation logistics in place.

https://baptistsonmission.org/Mission-Projects/By-Mission-Type/Disaster-Relief/Hurricane-Helene

https://www.redcross.org/local/north-carolina.html

https://pay.payitgov.com/ncdonations

We will update with more options as disaster relief efforts continue.

We can all continue to pray for those who have been directly impacted and for those who are responding.

NCDA&CS to activate hotline Saturday to help farmers impacted by Tropical Storm Helene
The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services will activate its hotline Saturday, Sept. 28, to connect farmers with resources that can assist with damage and other agricultural emergencies related to the storm. The toll-free number is 1-866-645-9403. A live operator will be available on the hotline between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

 

 

 

Update Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023 at 7:15 a.m.


The Emergency Declaration provides regulatory relief for commercial motor vehicle operations while providing direct assistance supporting emergency relief efforts transporting supplies, goods, equipment, and fuel into the Affected States, and transporting persons into and from the Affected States, or providing other assistance in the form of emergency services during the emergency related to Tropical Storm Idalia in the Affected States.

NWS Raleigh Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023 at 5:25 a.m.

Tropical Storm Idalia will move east this afternoon, offshore of North Carolina. Isolated flash flooding will be possible over the eastern Sandhills and Coastal Plain until midday, along with gusty winds of 35-40 mph over the Sandhills and southern Coastal Plain. Impacts will diminish later this afternoon and evening.

NWS Miami Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023 at 5:00 a.m.

A Hurricane Watch has been issued from Edisto Beach South Carolina to South Santee River South Carolina.

A Tropical Storm Warning has been issued from North of Surf City North Carolina to the North Carolina/Virginia border, and Pamlico and Albemarle Sounds.

A Storm Surge Watch has been extended northeastward to Ocracoke Inlet.

NWS Raleigh Friday, Sept. 30 at 6:00 a.m.

Between 3 to 6 inches of rain are expected throughout North Carolina. Rainfall of this magnitude could result in flash flooding, especially in urban and low-lying areas. Some accumulation of water in low-lying and flood-prone locations with localized and urban flooding possible. Winds will increase with gusts of 40 to 60 mph possible. The heaviest rain and strongest winds are expected from 2pm to midnight. An isolated tornado is possible near and east of Interstate 95 during the afternoon and evening. Heavy rain and winds will decrease from south to north after midnight. Flooding could linger overnight as area rivers and creeks rise.

NCEM Thursday, Sept. 29 at 7:00 a.m.

Impacts from Ian and its remnants are expected to begin late Thursday and continue through the weekend as the system moves through the region. The primary hazard will be heavy rain that could lead to localized flash flooding, landslides along the Blue Ridge Escarpment, and rises on main-stem rivers. Most areas will remain dry through much of Thursday before rain starts to move into southeastern NC late Thursday – early Friday. The heaviest and most widespread rainfall is expected Friday and Saturday. Generally, 2-5” of rainfall is expected across the state, with 4-7” and locally higher totals possible near the coast and along the Blue Ridge Escarpment.

Gusty winds, isolated tornadoes, and hazardous marine conditions will also be possible. Gusts 25-40 mph are likely across much of the state Friday and Saturday with gusts up to 45 mph possible along the coast as well as the higher elevations of western NC. Gusty winds and saturated soils could lead to downed trees and isolated power outages across the state. 1-3' of inundation is possible in low-lying areas along the southern NC coast, with the highest water levels expected with each high tide Friday. Farther north, northeasterly and easterly winds along the coast could lead to coastal flooding and a Coastal Flood Watch is in effect for Beaufort, Pamlico, southern Craven, and eastern Carteret counties Thursday afternoon – Saturday morning as 1-3’ of inundation is possible in low-lying areas near shorelines in tidal waterways.

Update Wednesday, Sept. 28 at 5:35 p.m.

The Emergency Declaration provides regulatory relief for commercial motor vehicle operations while providing direct assistance supporting emergency relief efforts transporting supplies, goods, equipment, and fuel into the Affected States, and transporting persons into and from the Affected States, or providing other assistance in the form of emergency services during the emergency related to Hurricane Ian in the Affected States. By execution of this Emergency Declaration, motor carriers and drivers providing direct assistance to the emergency in direct support of relief efforts related to the emergency as set out in this declaration are granted relief from 49 CFR § 395.3, maximum driving time for property-carrying vehicles and 49 CFR § 395.5, maximum driving time for passenger-carrying vehicles, subject to the restrictions and conditions set forth herein.1 Direct assistance means transportation and other relief services provided by a motor carrier or its driver(s) incident to the immediate restoration of essential supplies or essential services. Direct assistance does not include transportation related to long term rehabilitation of damaged physical infrastructure or routine commercial deliveries, including mixed loads with a nominal quantity of qualifying emergency relief added to obtain the benefits of this emergency declaration, after the initial threat to life and property has passed.

Update Wednesday, Sept. 28 at 9:46 a.m.

Current Weather Forecast from National Weather Service, Raleigh Office September 28, 2022 6:00 a.m.

Hurricane Ian is now a major hurricane with 140 mph winds in the eastern Gulf of Mexico. Beyond Friday, uncertainty and spread with regard to the long-term track and intensity remains high. Impacts for central NC Friday through Sunday will include heavy rain, possible flash flooding, gusty winds, and a few isolated tornadoes. The earliest reasonable time of arrival of tropical storm force winds, mainly in gusts (should they happen) is during the daylight hours on Friday.

There is less than a 1 in 10 chance that central NC could experience tropical storm force winds (mainly in gusts) late this week and into this weekend. 2 to 6 inches of rain are possible Friday through Sunday. Rainfall of this magnitude could result in flash flooding. Late Friday through Saturday is expected to be the wettest, most impactful period for central NC.

Update Tuesday, Sept. 27 at 11 a.m.

NCDA&CS continues to monitor and prepare for Hurricane Ian. According to the National Hurricane Center, Hurricane Ian is forecasted to make landfall somewhere along the Gulf Coast of Florida on Wednesday (9/28/22) before shifting northward.

Commissioner Troxler urges farmers across the state to take this time to make preparations. He urges everyone to make sure they are getting weather alerts on their phone and have a plan for the family and farm in case of an emergency.

From the NCEM Hazardous Weather Update (September 27, 2022) 
 

  • Confidence in the long-term track and timing beyond Wednesday remains low, but heavy rain across the state remains the primary hazard. Rain chances will increase across southeastern NC Thursday and Friday, with the most widespread rainfall expected on Friday and Saturday. 
    • Much of NC is forecast to see 2-5” late this week-weekend, but 5-7”+ will be possible near the coast and along the Blue Ridge Escarpment. These rainfall totals could lead to localized flash flooding, landslides across the mountains, and rises on main-stem rivers. Widespread significant river flooding is not currently expected. Rainfall totals and the timing of the heaviest rain could be adjusted based on the eventual track of Ian.
    • Gusty winds, isolated tornadoes, minor coastal flooding, and hazardous marine conditions will also be possible late this week and weekend as Ian moves through the region. Isolated downed trees and power outages will be possible due to gusty winds and saturated soils.
    • Showers will remain possible on Sunday and Monday, but coverage will be less than previous days as Ian or the remnants of Ian move north of NC.

  • Flooded crops cannot be used for human food/NCDA&CS, NCSU to help farms divert crops to animal feed with proper testing (8/27/21)
  • NCDA&CS offers post-flood cleanup and disposal assistance for pesticides (8/23/21)
  • NCDA&CS activates hotline to help farmers impacted by Tropical Storm Fred (8/20/21)
  • Statement from Commissioner Troxler regarding agricultural damage in Western N.C. from Tropical Storm Fred (8/19/21)

  • NCDA&CS offers cleanup and disposal assistance for pesticides (NEWS RELEASE)
  • Remember safety first during storm debris cleanup (NEWS RELEASE)
  • Evacuation of Equines due to Hurricane Dorian - suspension of equine interstate movement requirements (8-30-19)
  • Executive Order No. 100 : North Carolina Declaration of a State of Emergency to suspend Motor Vehicle Regulations and Support Relief Efforts for Hurricane Dorian

  • Executive Order #74 : North Carolina Declaration of a State of Emergency
  • Executive Order #75 : North Carolina Transportation Waiver - Temporary suspension of motor vehicle regulations to ensure restoration of utility services and transporting essentials.

  • U.S. Small Business Administration opens business recovery centers in North Carolina.
    • SBA representatives at the centers can provide information about disaster loans, answer questions and assist businesses in completing the SBA application. (9-24-18)
  • Executive Order #62 : NC DOT Debris Removal
    • Conditions currently exist across NC where hurricane-related debris on both private property and public rights-of-way is far more widespread than is typical in the aftermath of a hurricane. In counties designated by FEMA for public assistance, NCDOT is hereby authorized to conduct and arrange for Hurricane-related debris removal. (9-23-18)
  • Flooded crops cannot be used for human food: NCDA&CS, NCSU to help farms divert crops to animal feed with proper testing. (9-21-18)
  • Important Disaster Programs for Pasture-Based Livestock Farmers:
    • Producers incurring losses of livestock and damage to fences, pastures, hay and feed as a result of Hurricane Florence need to use photos and maps to document the nature and extent of their losses in preparation for applying for disaster response programs. (9-20-18)
  • Post-flood cleanup and disposal assistance for pesticides (9-19-18)
  • NCDA&CS extends deadline for private pesticide applicators seeking recertifcation until Nov. 30 (9-18-18)
  • Executive Order 57: Temporary Suspension of Enforcement on Certain Regulations Related to the Use of Nonhighway Diesel Fuel.
    1. This allows for the use of non-highway diesel (dyed diesel) to be used on highways.  (9-16-18)
    2. NOTE:  North Carolina Petroleum & Convenience Marketers (NCPCM) cautions members and their customers that the use of dyed fuel for on highway purposes should only be undertaken in the most extreme circumstances. Concentrations of dye in fuel is extremely difficult to remove from the fuel system of a vehicle once introduced. We caution that future checks of on-road taxed fuel could exhibit traces of dye and open the question of an audit of fuel use and/or possible future penalties.
  • Enforcement Discretion for Delivery of LP-Gas to Other Companies Customers
    • Because of the magnitude of flooding resulting from Hurricane Florence, LP-gas users may need to secure LP-gas from another source if their provider is unable to provide service. An emergency exemption allowing customers to source fuel from any provider is in effect from Sept. 16 through Sept. 30, or as counties are no longer declared disaster areas. Customers and suppliers are encouraged to document attempts to contact the original LP-gas company. (9-16-18)
  • September Fuel Volatility Waiver for North Carolina
    • Allows for an increase in the gasoline supply that should not affect the quality of fuel. (9-12-18)
  • NCDA&CS activates hotline to help farmers impacted by Hurricane Florence (9-12-18)
  • Equine Inclement Weather Resources from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. (9-11-18)
  • Interstate Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (ICVI) Health Waiver: Evacuation of Animals due to Hurricane Florence, Suspension of some Interstate Movement Requirements (9-11-18)
  • Equine Inclement Weather Resources: Please see this link for possible evacuation sites and call to inquire about space availability before leaving your current site. (9-10-18)
  • Statement from Agriculture Commissioner Troxler on waiving of motor vehicle regulations to help farmers. (9-8-18)
  • Executive order No. 52: Temporary suspension of motor vehicle regulations to ensure restoration of utility services and transporting essentials (9-7-18)
  • Executive order No. 51: Declaration of a State of Emergency (9-7-18)
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