LUMBERTON, NC (WBTW) – Robeson County leaders issued a mandatory evacuation for all of South Lumberton and have made shelters available.

Prior to the mandatory order, officials were asking anyone who lives in an area that flooded after Hurricane Matthew to evacuate. But that request has turned into an order as more rain pounds the Lumberton area and the Lumber River quickly rises.

The county’s spokesperson Emily Jones sent out emails and social media posts Saturday saying flooding could surpass the flooding in Lumberton in 2016. The latest update from Jones says all residents must leave their home and shelters are available at Purnell Swett High School, Lumberton High School, St. Pauls High School, Fairmont Middle School and South Robeson High School.

Jones said all shelters are accepting more people. Residents need to evacuate before their homes become flooded and before they have to be rescued.

Transportation is available by calling SEATS at 910-618-5679