Category Three Hurricane Idalia is coming ashore in Florida this morning, and is forecast to bring more tornadoes and possibly more rain as it crosses Columbus County tonight into Thursday.
The National Weather Service increased the threat level of tornadoes this morning. Upstate South Carolina and Southeastern North Carolina are now under an Enhanced Risk for tornadoes as Idalia weakens to a tropical storm and crosses the area.
Steve Pfaff of the NWS Wilmington office said in a briefing that the tornado risk will increase as the storm’s bands come onshore this afternoon and evening. No tornado watches or warnings have been issued so far today, Pfaff said.
County commissioners on Tuesday declared a state of emergency for the county, which will speed up the delivery or relief supplies and funding if they are needed after the storm. No shelters are scheduled to be opened at this time.
