11:25 p.m. Hurricane Isaias is coming ashore in Brunswick County.
The storm spawned multiple tornadoes that prompted warnings throughout the southern and eastern portions of the county this evening, as well as some early flash flooding. Power outages have been reported in Whiteville, the Riegelwood area, Hallsboro, and other communities.
Meteorologist Christopher Cawley said the hurricane is undergoing some shearing, which will weaken it but could prolong the tornado threat into the night.
Chief Steve Camlin of Acme Delco Riegelwood Fire-Rescue said his station is on full alert, but so far have only dealt with a few power outages.
Chief deputy Aaron Herring of the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office said deputies have been maintaining patrols, but so far have answered only a few alarms and calls for service. The CCSO has several high water capable vehicles ready to be used for water rescues if they are needed.
Columbus County offices closed early Monday, and were operating on a two group delay for Tuesday, opening at 10 a.m. no shelters are planned for the county, according to spokesperson Amanda Prince, but the county may open some facilities if conditions worsen Tuesday.
Several streets in Whiteville are flooded, and residents of low lying areas throughout the county are cautiously dying potential trouble spots.
The eastward shift of the storm’s core could potentially bring additional heavy rains upstream on the Lumber River. Lumber ton and Nichols, S.C. are forecast to see moderate flooding, which could mean bad news for downtown Fair Bluff.
Winds around 30 to 40 miles per hour are being reported south and east of Whiteville.
The fast moving hurricane is expected to be clear of the region by late morning Tuesday.
