Farmers across Orange County say they are growing increasingly concerned as more rain hit the region this week, raising fears of flooding and further crop delays.
Chris Pawelski, a farmer in Warwick, says the season has already been difficult due to a combination of excessive rainfall and high temperatures earlier in the summer.
“With that rain, I was not able to get the crops in the ground,” Pawelski said. “Normally now, I would be picking a lot of stuff to sell, and at this point I have nothing apart from a handful of items because it was so late and delayed by the excessive rain.”
Pawelski and other farmers are closely monitoring the Wallkill River, which according to the NOAA has not yet reached flood stage but remains a growing concern. If the river crests, it could flood fields and cause significant damage to crops that are already behind schedule.
The Hudson Valley has seen an unusually wet start to the growing season, and forecasts suggest more rain is on the way, potentially compounding the challenges local farmers are already facing.
“My No. 1 concern is the flooding and the river the potentiality,” Pawelski added.
Local officials are urging residents and farmers to stay alert and prepare for possible flooding in low-lying areas.
