Tropical Storm Debby brings significant flooding to Fair Bluff

FAIR BLUFF, NC (WWAY) — Debby is no longer a Tropical Storm and has moved out of our area. But several places are still feeling the impacts.

One of those places is Fair Bluff in Columbus County, where several roads are underwater. According to Columbus County Sheriff Bill Rogers,  residents need to be ready for more flooding.

“The rivers ain’t crested yet, it’s still coming. We got to get this water out of Lumberton as far as Laurinburg, and Lumberton ain’t suppose to crest till I think tomorrow afternoon. So, it will be about till Sunday probably cause we’re looking to get three or more foot of water here, if not more cause they calling for rain tonight.”

Some of the roads impacted in Fair Bluff are Riverside Drive, Main Street and a portion of U.S. 76. Several signs and barricades are in place, warning motorists about high water or closing portions of the road altogether.

“People see the road closed signs, we got them on Ramsey Ford Road in the south end of the county, 905, 904. They see the signs, that means please turn around because we don’t want nobody to drown. 610, 810 we have people driving around the roads closed signs and they’ve had several people drown between Robeson and Columbus County,” Rogers said.

Fair Bluff Mayor Billy Hammond reminded residents that if they’re unsure if an area or roadway is safe, help is just a phone call away.

“I would just say to people, stay safe and if you got an issue or need some help, feel free to contact town hall. We’ll assist you anyway we can to keep you safe and sound.”