Heavy rains bring flooding concerns to Columbus County

LAKE WACCAMAW, NC (WWAY)–Lake Waccamaw was one of the hardest hit areas with flooding back in 2018 during Hurricane Florence. Columbus County officials have their eyes on the town once again as the lake continues to rise with recent rainfall.

Lake Waccamaw officials say they have gotten at least nine inches of rain within the last week. The inflow of water has caused the lake to rise nearly two feet bringing concerns along with it. Residents say if the rain keep coming down at this rate they could be in for a long summer.

“As you can see the beach is getting washed away, the canal level is very high,”says Lake Waccamaw resident Dianne Reynolds. “So, it is worrisome especially if we do get more rain or another hurricane.”

The town says with the flooding rain and rising waters other problems are not out of the question. 

“It does do a number on our lift stations, which we pump sewer to our treatment plant,”says Lake Waccamaw Public Works Director Robert Bailey. “We actually have some that water has gone up to the station itself and caused the issues as well. We have to go in with pumps until the levels lower.“

Residents say they are used to the rain this time of year, but that they generally don’t see this much in this short of time. They hope that trend turns around sooner rather than later.

“I think we just drew the short end of the straw to be honest with you,”said Reynolds. “Hopefully our bad luck is going to dissipate and we’ll be able to get some nice sunny weather.”

A majority of Columbus County remains in a Flash Flood Watch until midnight tonight. The National Weather Service says the rapid rise of creeks and streams is possible.