What will likely become Tropical Storm Ophelia is expected to bring 1.75 to 2.5 inches of rain to Columbus starting Friday.
The National Weather Service (NWS) said the coastal low pressure system is a rapidly evolving storm. Tropical storm warnings have been issued for New Hanover and Pender counties. As of today (Thursday) the storm is off the Florida coast and intensifying.
Heavy rains and high winds are expected throughout the area, but the storm is not expected to be another Idalia, which brought flooding to Cerro Gordo, Chadbourn, Whiteville and downstream on the Waccamaw River.
If the low reaches tropical storm strength, it will be named Ophelia. The NWS noted that impacts from the storm are not dependent on whether it reaches tropical status. Heavy rain and wind are likely to bring dangerous conditions regardless of whether the system it becomes a named storm.
The heaviest rains are expected east of a line from Elizabethtown through Whiteville to Myrtle Beach. Some roadways may see flooding.
The potential storm has led to some changes in area sports schedules.
Whiteville High School Wolfpack’s home game with Heide Trask at Legion Stadium will be played tonight at 7 p.m. South Columbus has also moved their game to tonight at 7 p.m. East Columbus will play at East Bladen Friday at 7 p.m. West Columbus has no game this week.
The Waccamaw Equestrian Show this weekend at the Boys and Girls Home is still on schedule, with hunter shows Saturday and western on Sunday.
CCN will share updates on closings and delays if they occur.
