Preliminary numbers for agricultural losses are in for Pitt and Martin Counties.
While the numbers will likely change over the course of the next few weeks, Pitt County has experienced catastrophic losses due to this storm. The total damage is estimated at $35 million. Officials say that Martin County estimated some $37 million in damage to crops. They say the bulk of the damage is to tobacco and cotton.
Unlike past weather events where flooding caused the most detrimental effect on our agriculture, wind is believed to be the most dominating factor. A tour of county farms found a high number of fences, roofs, shelters, greenhouses, and grain bins that were damaged due to Irene.
There is an agricultural disaster hotline set up. It's 1-866-506-6222.
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