The indecisive Hurricane Eta is bringing heavy rains and wind to Columbus County after coming ashore for the fourth time in Florida.
Chadbourn and Tabor City are experiencing minor flooding in some of the usual troublespots. Some intersections are overwashed in Whiteville, including sections of Franklin Street and South Madison, but improvements to the city’s stormwater system are helping keep water levels down in the downtown area.
More than seven inches of rain has been recorded on Rev. Scott Lewis’ raingauge, and other backyard stations are reporting from three to six inches elsewhere.
The National Weather Service said the bulk of the tropical weather has passed through central Columbus, although intermittent and sometimes heavy showers will persist through the night.
Debris in storm drains caused some isolated flooding in some areas of Whiteville. Walter Street – always a trouble spot – was briefly closed due to flooding. Water was encroaching on some homes on College Street around 3 p.m.
The current path of Eta sends the storm on up the North Carolina coast and out to sea. Earlier forecasts had Eta taking a slight jog to the west after hitting Florida the last time. That shift could have brought tropical storm force winds and more rain to the county.
