Columbus County Sheriff’s Office monitoring rising water levels in Fair Bluff

FAIR BLUFF, NC (WWAY) — The Columbus County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents to stay alert as water levels continue to rise along the Waccamaw River in the Fair Bluff area.

According to the sheriff’s office, recent heavy rainfall has caused the river near River Road to steadily climb, and if the rain continues, it is expected to spill over its banks.

Authorities are urging residents to monitor local weather updates, have an emergency plan in place, and avoid low-lying or flood-prone areas.

“If you see water over the roadway — turn around, don’t drown,” the sheriff’s office said in a news release. “It only takes a small amount of moving water to sweep away a vehicle, and driving through flooded areas puts you and first responders at risk.”

Officials said they will continue to provide updates as conditions change.