Developing story
Several trees are reported down at Lake Waccamaw, and a shed has collapsed at Galloway Farms Maze Craze due to the current storm.
The storm is producing frequent and dangerous lightning.
A transformer at Lake Waccamaw was also reported out, leaving 173 homes without power. Outages are also reported in Hallsboro, Buckhead, White Marsh Welches Creek, and near Chadbourn.
Brunswick Electric Membership reported 398 customers without power at 4:20 p.m., mostly in the North Hallsboro area.
The Union Valley exit on U.S. 74 at Whiteville has water in the roadway, motorists said, and Walter Street in Whiteville has started to pond.
A flash flood warning has been issued for Whiteville until 6:15 p.m. Between 2-4 inches of rain have fallen with another 1-3 possible.
Whiteville Emergency Management Director Hal Lowder said motorists should avoid driving on streets that are covered with water. In addition to hiding possible washouts and debris, vehicles create a wake — similar to a boat – that can damage homes and property.
The storm arrives just as city officials had finished most of a dam and debris clearing project along Soules Swamp through downtown.
CCN Meteorologist Christopher Cawley and Nathan Cawley are providing weather updates via Facebook. When you can safely do so, report storm damage to the National Weather Service at 1.800.397.8901, and share your storm damage photos with us on Facebook at columbuscountynews.com.
