Editor’s Note: This is a developing story. Stay with Robesonian.com as news becomes available.

LUMBERTON — The biggest threat to the greater Robeson County area is flooding, according to National Weather Service forecasters.

The storm’s potential path changed little through the evening hours on Wednesday, setting its sights on North Carolina and South Carolina coastal communities before it pushes back out into the Atlantic on Thursday early afternoon.

However, forecasters caution weather watchers not to take the latest information as a sign that Robeson County is out of serious danger.

Referring to the weather graphics, forecasters issued the following statement: “The cone contains the probable path of the storm center but does not show the size of the storm. Hazardous conditions can occur outside the cone.”

The National Weather Service issued several hurricane related watches and warnings on Wednesday, meaning serious weather should be expected as Idalia churns its way up the coast.

IDALIA TRACKING EAST BY NORTHEAST

“Tropical Storm Idalia will move up the Carolina coast [Wednesday] into Thursday,” according to a NWS statement provided to news outlets on Wednesday evening. “The main impact will be heavy rain and localized flooding. Isolated tornadoes are also expected, mainly along the coast. Tropical storm force winds may cause downed trees and power outages.”

Forecasters said the highest chance of wind-related impacts will be along the coast, but gusty winds will continue as Idalia exits the area.

“Downed trees and power lines are possible due to a combination of the winds and saturated soils on Thursday,” according to NWS forecasters.

TROPICAL STORM WARNING

A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Robeson and Bladen counties and the surrounding southeast North Carolina region. Weather warnings indicate that weather events have been observed, whereas weather watches mean conditions are right for weather events to form.

FLOOD WARNING

A Flood Warning was issued Wednesday morning related to the following waterways:

Lumber River near Lumberton affecting Robeson County.

Lumber River 1 SE Nichols affecting Marion, Horry and Dillon counties.

Northeast Cape Fear River near Burgaw affecting Pender County.

Little Pee Dee River At Galivants Ferry affecting Marion and Horry counties.

Great Pee Dee River At Pee Dee affecting Marion and Florence counties.

Black Creek at Quinby affecting Florence and Darlington counties.

Lynches River at Effingham affecting Florence County.

Black River at Kingstree affecting Williamsburg County.

Moderate flooding is forecast for the Lumber River — including Lumberton, Nichols, Pembroke, Lumberton USGS Gage, Maxton, Boardman.

A number of other river specific warnings were issue in the region as well.

NWS forecasters said residents should take Flood Warnings seriously, seeking higher ground in flood-prone areas.

“Turn around, don’t drown when encountering flooded roads,” forecasters said. “Most flood deaths occur in vehicles.”

CRIME AND COVID

Cassandra Campbell, executive director of the Robeson County Disaster Recovery Coalition Inc. told the Robesonian on Wednesday night that preparations were underway to respond to Idalia’s wrath.

“As you know we are closely monitoring and preparing for the impacts from [Tropical Storm] Idalia,” Campbell said. “We have already seen some heavy rains, and winds to start picking up in some areas.

“As far as Southeastern North Carolina, the NWS has given us a pretty good indication that we should expect some heavy rain, severe thunderstorms and strong winds,” Campbell stated.

She said residents should be prepared for some power outages, possible tornadoes, and an increase in crime.

“Unfortunately, when events like this happen, opportunities and threats increase,” Campbell stated. “ We continue to work in partnership with FEMA, NC EM and NC VOAD to preposition supplies and resources throughout Robeson and surrounding counties for additional support to prepare and increase resilience to disasters for low income, marginalized, and BIPOC populations in rural communities.”

Campbell stated that the coalition is standing “ready to respond and work together with our local emergency management agency in support of any relief that awaits us.”

Campbell also stated that residents should be mindful of the recent increase in COVID cases and the safety measures necessary to combat it during this bad weather event.