A series of severe thunderstorms and flash floods ripped through parts of the Northeast and South Texas ahead of the Fourth of July weekend, leaving several people dead, hundreds of thousands without power, and U.S. agriculture operations facing new challenges amid extreme weather volatility.

In Plainfield, New Jersey, local officials declared a state of emergency after two people were killed by a falling tree during the height of Thursday's storm. Nearly 44,000 customers in New York, 24,000 in New Jersey, and 23,000 in Massachusetts remained without power Friday morning, with rural communities among the hardest hit.

The storm forced the cancellation of Independence Day celebrations, but it also disrupted agricultural regions at a critical time for summer crops, dairy logistics, and cold storage facilities dependent on uninterrupted power.

Texas Agriculture Hit by Life-Threatening Floods

In Kerr County, Texas, northwest of San Antonio, flooding from torrential rains caused the Guadalupe River to surge by 22 feet in just three hours-levels not seen in decades, according to the National Weather Service. Fatalities were confirmed, and families were reported missing after homes were swept away.

The region is a vital corridor for ranching and hay production, and local authorities reported widespread livestock displacement and concerns over forage loss due to submerged pastures. With 5 to 10 inches of rain falling overnight, flash flood alerts remained active for 3 million residents, affecting ag hauling routes and emergency supply chains.

Widespread Ag Implications Beyond the Storm Zones

While much of the Midwest Corn Belt and Southeast ag zones avoided direct storm damage, disruptions to freight logistics, input deliveries, and commodity movement through East Coast terminals were noted. Flight delays and transport disruptions Thursday evening added strain to already tight supply chains for perishables and livestock feed.

In Florida, Fourth of July events were canceled due to severe weather risks in Anna Maria Island and North Port, further complicating ag-tourism traffic and holiday-related farm sales.

U.S. Agriculture Faces Growing Pressure from Climate Extremes

These July 4 storms follow a growing pattern of climate-induced volatility in the U.S. farm sector. From delayed planting seasons to drought-to-flood whiplash, the storm underscores the need for resilient rural infrastructure, expanded crop insurance protections, and better coordination between disaster response agencies and ag stakeholders.

With summer yields, livestock safety, and energy-dependent operations at risk, farmers in storm-prone regions are calling for more investment in climate-smart agriculture and grid resiliency.