LUMBERTON — Robeson County remains in a Flood Warning as the National Weather Service posted an update to the ongoing warning Friday morning.
The Lumber River was at 18.27 feet in Lumberton, according to NOAA data, as rainwater from Tropical Storm Chantal on Sunday comes downstream. This is approaching major flood stage, which is 19 feet; however, the river is near its forecasted peak of 18.3 feet and it is forecast that the water will begin to recede on Saturday.
The NWS’ Flood Warning is “until further notice,” the warning message stated.
Robeson County Emergency Management is closely monitoring conditions along the Lumber River and surrounding areas following rainfall from the remnants of Tropical Storm Chantal on Sunday, it said in a press release Thursday afternoon.
Motorists should not attempt to drive around barricades or drive cars through flooded areas, the NWS said.
“Flooding is occurring or is imminent,” the warning stated. “Most flood related deaths occur in automobiles. Do not attempt to cross water covered bridges, dips, or low water crossings. Never try to cross a flowing stream, even a small one, on foot. To escape rising water find another route over higher ground.”
When river levels rise to 18 feet, the NWS said, flood waters deepen in the Pines and Cox’s Pond areas in Lumberton as well as along River Road. Flood waters may also affect Carthage Road. Some homes may become isolated or inundated, particularly between the former Pepsi plant and the river, south of downtown Lumberton.
Parts of Chickenfoot Road, Hestertown Road and Noir Street were closed as of Friday morning, The Robesonian confirmed.
There have also been reports of street flooding at various locations near the river in western Robeson County over the last couple of days, including N.C. 71 near the Campbell Soup plant in Maxton, and Recreation Center Road near the Lumbee Tribe Cultural Center.
Emergency Management remains in direct coordination with the National Weather Service, local fire and rescue departments, and NCDOT to monitor conditions and respond as needed.
“Most of our river gauges are holding steady, and water is continuing to flow downstream,” said Robeson County Emergency Management Director Justin Hunt. “However, we are keeping a close watch on riverbanks, flood-prone areas, and tributaries for any changes.”
Drone flights are being considered in specific areas to assess possible obstructions or factors contributing to delayed drainage.
Additionally, the Robeson County Sheriff’s Office deployed boats into the river Thursday to assess how severe any flooding in th area may be and to facilitate rescues at any flooded dwellings if needed, Lt. Kevin Graham told The Robesonian.
Looking ahead, forecasts call for isolated thunderstorms and periods of moderate rainfall through the weekend, which may impact areas already saturated by recent rainfall. The Emergency Operations Center remains in an elevated monitoring status.
Residents are urged to use caution, avoid flooded roadways, and stay informed through official sources.
To receive real-time emergency notifications, including weather alerts and road closures, sign up for CodeRED alerts at: https://public.coderedweb.com/cne/en-US/A394E5C99164
Additional updates will be issued by Robeson County Emergency Managment as new information becomes available.
The NWS will issue an update later Friday evening, it stated. Additional information from the NWS can be found at water.noaa.gov/wfo/ilm.
This is a developing story and will be updated.
Editor Chris Stiles can be reached at 910-416-5847 or by email at [email protected].