Columbus County to open storm shelters Friday afternoon

COLUMBUS COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — Columbus County will open storm shelters Friday as Hurricane Matthew approaches with the threat of strong wind, heavy rain and flooding.

The shelters will open at 2 p.m. at the following locations:

• Edgewood Elementary School – 317 East Calhoun Street, Whiteville, NC 28472 (Pet Friendly Shelter)
• East Columbus High School – 32 Gator Lane Lake Waccamaw, NC 28430
• South Columbus High School – 40 Stallion Drive, Tabor City, NC 28463
• West Columbus High School – 7294 Andrew Jackson Hwy SW, Cerro Gordo, NC 28430

The Columbus County Emergency Operations Center will also open Friday at 2 p.m. The telephone numbers for public access are (910) 642-7684 and (910) 642-8193

Columbus County Government Offices will close Friday at noon.