Columbus County, NC – Columbus County is experiencing extreme flooding related to Hurricane Florence. Areas that did not flood during Matthew have experienced flooding during this storm. There have been issues reaching everyone that needs assistance. Tabor City, areas along the Lumber River, Fair Bluff, Lake Waccamaw, Boardman, Riegelwood, and Delco have all experienced life threatening flooding. Evacuations have occurred in all of the above areas.
The US Coast Guard, the National Guard, Homeland Security, and swift water rescue teams have assisted with evacuations and rescues. On Saturday, September 15th, ninety-five (95) individuals were rescued. On Sunday, September 16th, two hundred and thirty-eight (238) individuals were rescued.
Barricades are in place to protect those that have to travel. Please do not drive around a barricade. You put yourself and our first responders in danger when you choose to ignore barricades. Do not drive through standing water. There are roads in the county that are failing due to rapid moving flood waters. We value your life and do not want anything to happen to you.
The following are the latest power outages for Columbus County.
Duke Energy Total Customers: 16,544
Total without power: 12,283
Brunswick Electric Total Customers: 12,323
Total without power: 1,715
Four County Total Customers: 877
Total without power: 732
Power companies from all over the United States are in Columbus County assisting with these power outages. Many residents have been without power for four (4) or five (5) days. Please continue to be patient as the power crews work to restore power. Power restoration is challenging in the areas that have experienced flooding. It may be several more days before power is restored.
The following are roads that are either unsafe to pass or are closed:
US 74/76 at Robeson County/Columbus County line
Dock Road
Old Lumberton Road
US 74/76 on the Eastern portions of the county
NC 214 in Hallsboro
NC 87 at NC 11
Bridge washed out near Boggy Hill
US 74 West at Chauncey Town
US 74 East at Union Valley
All unincorporated areas of the county are under a dawn to dusk curfew. Some of the municipalities have a curfew as well.
County offices are closed until further notice.
Additional updates will be made as they are available.
