In the Southeastern United States, winter storms bringing rain, ice, and other severe weather are not exactly commonplace. However, when they do hit, due to areas being mostly unprepared for such weather, they bring towns to a grinding halt for a few days. These storms damage both private and public property, shut down businesses and government offices, and often have far reaching consequences. For instance, the storm that blanketed much of the east coast in mid-February will likely have long-lasting affects on South Carolina’s number one industry – timber.
Ice storms cause trees to bend; in an industry that requires straightness, this proves problematic for families that depend on this income to survive. Although the last reports said it was too early to decide how much damage had been done, initial reports guess that less damage was done than in the ice storm that hit in 2004 or Hurricane Hugo in 1989. However, it does appear likely that a forest disaster declaration will be made, which encourages companies to make use of damaged timber. Although this declaration does not force forest product companies to use the timber, it does help timber providers from facing too much economic hardship for years to come.
Sources:
– http://www.scforestry.org/SC%20Forestry%20legislative%20flyer%202012%20front%20side-1.pdf
– http://www.thestate.com/2014/02/17/3273367/ice-storm-damage-to-sc-timber.html
Image Source: http://media.thestate.com/smedia/2014/02/17/16/22/Wrju9.AuSt.74.jpeg