The State of Georgia Peaches, One Year After Worst Season

Last year was a dismal one for Georgia peaches. Georgia typically produces more than 130 million pounds of peaches annually, according to the University of Georgia. But, that number dipped greatly in 2023. So, what's the state of Georgia peaches one year after its worst season ever?

Georgia lost more than 90% of their crops for 2023 after unusually warm weather during the 2022-2023 winter and a late-season freeze. These numbers are according to Dario Chavez, an associate professor of Horticulture at the University of Georgia, who spoke with CNN about the bad season. When it comes to peaches, according to CNN, California actually produces the most peaches in America, followed by South Carolina and Georgia. California actually grows four times more peaches than Georgia and South Carolina combined.

So, what happened last year with the peach crop, and why was it so bad? "The problem was exacerbated when late-season cold temperatures swept across the Southeast," CNN reports. Some varieties of peaches were already blooming in March, but then "the freeze damaged and destroyed a number of the early flowers," they added. It's wild to think about just how many peach crops got destroyed. It's heartbreaking, so farmers are hoping for a turnaround in the coming seasons. However, Brad Rippey, a meteorologist with the US Department of Agriculture, tells CNN that "warm winters followed by a spring freeze have become more common in recent years."

Thankfully, this year appears to be a different story. Ajc.com reports that "a late cold snap appears to have spared Georgia's blueberries, peaches and citrus after a disastrous season last year." Moreover, Will McGehee, marketing director for Georgia Peach Council, tells Ajc.com that they have a "full crop" and are "about as excited about this crop as we've ever been."

But, we're not out of the woods yet. Research from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration shows that winters in Georgia have been getting warmer, and that, in the long-term, could influence the kind of fruit farmers are able to grow in the state. When the winters are too farm, the plants don't have the "chill hours" they need and can blossom early. So, if a freeze happens, even if it's not a late-season freeze, it can kill plants, because those plants have started blooming too soon. Still, as long as there isn't a late frost coming this year, it appears 2024 will be a good one for Georgia peaches and other seasonal fruits.

Nobody likes dealing with severe weather. But, it's part of life. Depending on where you live in the United States, you might come up against hurricanes, tornados, severe thunderstorms, blizzards and more. I've certainly had my fair share of severe weather events. Probably my most vivid memory was being in an ice storm, which knocked power out for about a week where I lived, including during Christmas. It was freezing cold, so my family and I had to go to a hotel that was out of town. Needless to say, our Christmas plans were totally different that year. So, what are some severe weather safety tips that may safe your life?

Before we get to the main tips, let's get through some basics. Stay informed when a severe weather event is approaching. It's simple but important. You don't want to be caught off guard when bad weather strikes. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and National Weather Service both have information that they provide leading up to and during a severe weather event. So, make sure to get the latest information in the case of any weather emergency. Local meteorologists also have good information, but the main alerts come from the National Weather Service.

Another mistake some people make is not taking "watches" seriously. For example, you might see that there's a severe thunderstorm watch in your area and think, oh, it's just a watch, I can go out for a walk. Don't do it. "A watch is used when the risk of a hazardous weather or hydrologic event has increased significantly, but its occurrence, location or timing is still uncertain," the National Weather Service explains. We'll get more into the specifics of a watch, warning and advisory later in this story.

Let's get into some severe weather safety tips that may safe your life.

A weather advisory, watch and warning all need to be taken seriously. So, what do they mean? According to the National Weather Service, "a warning is issued when a hazardous weather or hydrologic event is occurring, imminent or likely." A watch is where "the risk of a hazardous weather or hydrologic event has increased significantly, but its occurrence, location or timing is still uncertain." Finally, an advisory means, "hazardous weather or hydrologic event is occurring, imminent or likely."

During a severe thunderstorm, and any severe weather event, the best thing to do is stay inside and sheltered. "The best defense against thunderstorms is to stay inside a sturdy building or shelter that can protect you from deadly lightning, large hail, damaging winds, flooding rain and tornadoes," the National Weather Service says. Also, you don't want to risk getting hit by lightning, like in the image below.

During a tornado, get underground if possible. If you don't have a basement, get to the lowest floor possible. Also, during a tornado, watch for flying and falling debris. The National Weather Service advises to "use pillows, blankets, coats, helmets, etc. to cover up and protect your head and body from flying debris."

Be prepared. Have a good emergency kit, both in your house and your car. For the car, "An emergency kit should include booster cables, shovel, tow rope, sand or cat litter, and a flashlight with extra batteries," the National Weather Service says. "Do not forget a first aid kit, non-perishable food, and blankets or sleeping bags."

This one my mom and dad always tell me to do. And, they're right. "Keep your gas tank near full to avoid ice in the tank and fuel line," the National Weather Service advises.

Heat can make for a severe weather event, too. So, dress appropriately when it gets really hot. "Lightweight, light-colored clothing reflects heat and sunlight, and helps your body maintain normal temperatures," the National Weather Service says. They add to guzzle lots of "water or non-alcoholic fluids."

Sometimes, you just have to leave ahead of the storm to be safe. In the case of a hurricane, the National Weather Service says to "leave immediately if ordered." They also say that if you are allowed to stay, to "take refuge in a small interior room, closet or hallway on the lowest level during the storm. Put as many walls between you and the outside as you can," and "stay away from windows, skylights and glass doors."

Weather isn't just about thunderstorms and tornados. Air quality is a big part of weather events these days, too. Be on the lookout for air quality alerts in your area. If you have respiratory issues, you should wear a mask when out and about in bad air quality. You should also say inside if the air quality is especially bad.

Even on a perfect weather day, if you're at the beach, there are risks. The NOAA states, "To stay safe, you need to stay aware of the weather, the ocean, tide, and what is going on around you." They add, "Storms, such as thunderstorms, tropical storms, and hurricanes far out at sea can create dangerous waves and currents at the beach, even on a sunny day!"