FAIR BLUFF, N.C. (WECT) – The storm may be over, but for neighbors in Fair Bluff, the flooding is just getting started.

“We’ve suffered and we’ve not recovered yet,” Charity Larocca, who lives next to the river, said.

The reason behind the flooding comes down to the Lumber River that runs alongside the town. The water levels continue to rise after Tropical Storm Debby.

Larocca says Friday morning, she woke up to a scary sight.

“I’ve never been able to see the river from my porch,” she said.

While 84-year-old Robert Evans Sr.’s backyard floodwaters continue to rise, he echoes what many in town are thinking.

“Pressure, aggravation, and stress,” he said.

Fair Bluff wasn’t always the flood hub it is today.

“This was a hustle and bustle street. We had all kinds of stuff here,” Larocca said.

But hurricanes like Florence in 2018 and Matthew in 2016 have destroyed any charm that was left.

“Everything was flooded during Florence. Everything was flooded,” Larocca continued.

Neighbors now fear for their homes.

“I’m just scared because I don’t want to lose my house again,” Evans said.

“We’re still supposed to have rain for the next week. God forbid if it rains more, you know, get ready to run,” Larocca said.

The Columbus County Sheriff’s Office is advising drivers to stay off the roads, as conditions are only set to get worse this weekend.

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