Small and independent craft breweries from the Carolinas into the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic are preparing for what meteorologists warn could be devastating impacts from Hurricane Florence.
The storm is expected to make landfall early this weekend. Forecasters say that some coastal cities, like Wilmington, North Carolina, could get as much as 40 inches of rain. Heavy rain and flooding also threaten communities far inland, including Charlotte, Raleigh and Columbia.
Breweries, like many businesses in the immediate threat area, are closed starting Wednesday.
Some that are open are doing what they can to help people prepare for the hurricane. Fullsteam Brewery in Durham, North Carolina, is one of many craft breweries filling water jugs for free for anyone who wants to stock up before the storm.
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“Before, during, or after the storm — we’ll give you filtered water,” the brewery says.
Wrightsville Beach Brewing is filling up water jugs as well as offering free ice for anyone who needs it.
Good Hops Brewing in Carolina Beach, North Carolina, used its Facebook page to help a local homeless shelter in need of donations.
The storm has forced organizers of Asheville’s long-running Brewgrass Festival to postpone the event until October 27.
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“This decision was made not only to ensure the safety of those potentially traveling to the event from out-of-town but also to give brewery partners in harm’s way the chance to focus on preparing for the approaching storm,” organizers say.
The community outreach by the beer community ahead of Hurricane Florence is reminiscent of what played out during the 2017 hurricane season when Harvey dropped historic rains in parts of Texas and Irma left extensive damage in parts of Florida.
If you know of other breweries helping their communities, share it in the comment section below to pass along word.
Stay tuned as we watch for impacts in the coming days. Stay safe.
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