Updated 08/29/23 at 7:45 p.m.
Hurricane Idalia is expected to make its impacts known here Wednesday into Thursday.
Idalia is forecast to come ashore in Florida today as a Category Three hurricane, but it is expected to weaken to a tropical storm by time it reaches the Carolinas. The storm will likely being three to seven inches of rain across the area, and the possibility of flash flooding. Tornadoes, high winds and heavy rain are possible in our area if the storm continues its current track.
A flash flood watch will go into effect tomorrow (Wednesday) at 2 p.m. until 8 p.m., according to the National Weather Service. The watch will likely be extended, depending on the storm’s track.
Secure trash cans, lawn furniture, or anything else that might be thrown around in high winds. Make sure your ditches and drains are clear.
County commissioners declared a state of emergency today (Wednesday).
Both school systems will be open Wednesday. County schools will be on remote instruction Thursday. Teachers and staff with the city schools will have Thursday off. All classes and activities are expected to be on a normal schedule Friday. (See related stories)
Classical Charter Schools will release at midday, and be closed Thursday.
The city of Whiteville has set up a self-service sandbag filling station for residents and businesses on Mill Street.
Whiteville city crews are clearing ditches, drains and culverts in advance of the storm.
Boat owners at Lake Waccamaw are encouraged to trailer your boats before the storm moves in. Boat owners are responsible for any damages caused by vessels that break away during a storm.
The sheriff’s office reported this morning that the county’s heavy rescue equipment has been checked and is ready in case of flooding or other emergencies in the county.
Southeastern Community College officials will determine if there will be any schedule changes after a meeting this afternoon.
Lake Waccamaw First Baptist Church has cancelled all Wednesday night activities.
The Catholic Diocese distribution planned for tomorrow at Old Dock has been cancelled.
Gov. Roy Cooper has declared a state of emergency for the storm. Agriculture Secretary Steve Troxler last night lifted some highway weight restrictions to allow farmers more flexibility to haul produce, crops and livestock before the storm.
Progress Energy reported this morning that 5,000 linemen and other personnel are on standby in Florida, and crews will be deployed to North and South Carolina as needed.
CCN and WTXY will provide updates on the storm as information comes available. We are also providing a list of closings and storm delays on our website.
