Drought disaster designation open emergency loan assistance to area farmers

News to know valley graphic created by Royal Broadcasting employee Brooke Greene used by permission

Farmers in Warren and Rappahannock counties may now be eligible for emergency assistance following a federal disaster designation related to drought.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has issued a Secretarial natural disaster designation covering areas of Virginia, Maryland and West Virginia.

The designation allows the USDA Farm Service Agency to provide emergency loans to eligible producers recovering from drought-related losses.

Emergency loans can help farmers replace essential items, including equipment or livestock, reorganize their farming operations, or refinance certain qualifying debts.

The Farm Service Agency will review applications based on the extent of the losses, available security and the producer’s ability to repay the loan.

According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, affected counties experienced severe drought conditions for at least eight consecutive weeks during the growing season, or reached extreme or exceptional drought levels.

The disaster is classified as a drought fast-track designation.

Eligible farmers have until March 31st, 2027, to apply for emergency loan assistance.

Producers in Warren and Rappahannock counties who experienced drought-related losses are encouraged to contact their local USDA Farm Service Agency office for information about eligibility and the application process.

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Flood Safety Week aims to bring awareness

Flooding is the most common and expensive natural disaster, but only 3% of Virginians have flood insurance.

Just 1 inch of water can cause over $25,000 in damages.

Virginia Flood Awareness Week urges residents to understand their flood risk and consider flood insurance.

Flood Safety week, March 9-15th, is designed to educate all Virginians on the potential risks in life and property.

For more information please visit, Virginia Flood Awareness Week.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.

Governor Youngkin gives winter storm update

Heavy winter weather has impacted several localities after the past two winter storms, leaving over 200,000 customers without power at its peak.

As of 7 p.m. on Thursday, more than 120,000 remain without power, especially in western Virginia.

Governor Youngkin is warning that the weekend forecast calls for more rain, high winds, and potential flooding.

The Virginia Emergency Support Team has been activated since Sunday and will continue coordinating efforts at
the state operations center.

Authorities are focused on restoring utilities, ensuring safety, and keeping residents informed of hazardous conditions.

As we transition from winter weather to potential flooding concerns this weekend, below are some flood safety and preparedness tips.

Failing to evacuate flooded areas, entering flood waters, or remaining after a flood has passed can result in injury or death.

Flooding is a temporary overflow of water onto land that is normally dry.

Floods are the most common natural disaster in the United States.

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Animals rescued from Helene come to Virginia

While first responders are working to save lives in the recovery from Helene additional teams are working to rescue animals from the Carolinas.

Nearly 100 animals were delivered to Homeward Trails in Delaplane and Fairfax station October 1 according to Northern Virginia Magazine.

The coordinated rescue effort involves teams in the Carolinas preparing the pets for transport to Richmond and volunteer drivers ready to take them to Northern Virginia.

The challenge lies in logistics in an area with no cell service or internet with flooded roads and the needs of local shelters according to WTOP.

Shelters were already taxed to the limit that coupled with a natural disaster creates and even harder problem.

Volunteers and more importantly foster homes are needed to help with these animals along with supplies.

If you can help at all contact Homeward Trails to support them in anyway you can.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.