The water is rising fast across Columbus County.
In addition to five days of measurable rainfall over the past week, an additional two-plus inches have fallen in Columbus since Wednesday night, part of a winter storm ravaging other parts of the state.
The National Weather Service is warning that flooding is likely along all the major basins as storm runoff flows downstream through the weekend.
Water is up on the streets in Fair Bluff, but officials report they expect no significant problems outside the usual problem areas.
Areas in the southern and eastern sections of the county are bracing for flooding along the Waccamaw, and the Cape Fear tributaries.
The Waccamaw is expected to crest Monday at 16.5 to 17 feet on the county line at Freeland. The station at Freeland is located on the Brunswick-Columbus line on New Britton Highway, and is the closest monitoring station to Crusoe and Old Dock.
Whiteville city crews have been working to keep drains clear of debris to reduce issues in the city. Soles Swamp is approaching the sides of Lee Street, and Main Street under the railroad bridge is blocked off due to high water.
Tabor City and Loris are dealing with spotty flooding, and a pond blew its banks in the Holly Hill area of Loris, leading to road closures there.
High water signs have been posted along Dupree Landing at Lake Waccamaw, and water is rising along Waccamaw Shores. The dam is also nearly covered at the lake, with only the tops of the floodgates visible around noon today.
The rain is expected to clear out this afternoon, but flooding will continue as runoff heads downstream. Additional rain is forecast for Monday into Tuesday. The Waccamaw and Lumber rivers are expected to crest Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service.
Hydroplaning and ponding on roadways led to more than 20 vehicle crashes over the past week. Emergency officials are reminding motorists that as little as six inches of water can cause a car to float.
