CALIFORNIA - The Golden State is still being pummeled with rain, and while we in California welcome the extra love to our reservoirs and snowpack, some growers are having to kick operations into high gear to protect their crops from damage.

Multiple news outlets are saying this storm has brought a record amount of rain to many parts of the state, and according to a report in the Sacramento Bee, runoff from the storms has flowed into the Central Coast all the way to Los Angeles as well as from the San Francisco Bay Area to the Sierra Nevada foothills. The National Weather Service has issued high surf warnings for San Francisco County through Friday, with 30-foot breakers along the coast of the North Bay, Monterey Bay, and Big Sur.

“All hands are on deck to evacuate water from the fields. It is our understanding that the heaviest rainfall is yet to come and we are anticipating another 2.5’’-3.5’’ over the next 24 hours,” said Greg Lewis, Director of Western Production for Duda Farm Fresh Foods when I asked him how how crops in Ventura county were expected to fare last night. “The fields are at carrying capacity, so flooding will occur. Many of our fields are close to the ocean’s coastline which means tides play a role in the clearing of water. We are hoping for minimal crop damage throughout the industry and that all remain safe during this event.”

Even greenhouse growers have been wary of the storm’s effects, which I found out when I spoke with Brian Cook, President of Pete’s Living Greens.

“As greenhouse growers, we are very lucky to be protected from the rain, but the overcast that comes with it will slow down crops. Lights are on to keep up with demand so we don’t expect any shortages to our customers,” Brian confirmed.

Jason Lathos, Manager of Commodities for Church Brothers Farms said harvests are much slower while conditions remain this wet.

"Wet weather has two major impacts," he said. "It slows harvest down to a snail’s pace due to muddy conditions, and although we use plastic on the pallets, we will get wet boxes. Number two is mildew—always a side effect."

We are still in the midst of the storm, so only time will tell what the true effects on fresh produce might be. Until then, AndNowUKnow will keep you updated with the latest.