ROANOKE RAPIDS — With the remnants of Hurricane Ida joining forces with a coastal low pressure area, Halifax and Northampton counties and much of North Carolina and Virginia continue to get wet.

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While Virginia has declared an emergency for fear of flooding, there have been few problems reported in the Roanoke Valley — mostly downed trees, tree limbs on a few roads and several minor accidents.

Tina Hinton, emergency management coordinator for Halifax County, said “so-far-so-good” is the word at press time.

Hinton said there was one small power outage Wednesday night in Scotland Neck and some minor flooding in low lying areas, but at press time there were no major events to report. The Roanoke Dam reports 3.80 inches of rain from the storm as of Thursday morning.

“They’re calling for the rain to slow down a little today,” said Hinton. “But the ditches are full and flooding right now.”

Hinton said there is concern for areas like Hollister, Low Ground Road in Enfield, Sledge Road in Scotland Neck and low lying areas in Roanoke Rapids. She encouraged motorists to slow down and not to go out at all unless they absolutely have to.

Hinton’s counterpart in Northampton County, Tim Byers said things were going pretty good in his county as well. “We had some trees down last night and in the early morning hours on Cherry Tree Road in Gaston, at Quail Ridge Road in Henrico and on Lake Road in Conway, but the North Carolina Department of Transportation has cleared all that,” he said.

Byers also said there were several accidents in the county from hydroplaning and going off the road. “Nothing major. Just people driving too fast for conditions.”

The National Weather Service (NWS) said to expect mostly light rain throughout the day, but there is potential for stronger showers to develop. Anywhere from two to three more inches of rain are expected during this event.

There are high wind warnings and advisories for this area until 1 a.m., Friday. According to the NWS, the combination of Ida and the low pressure area will bring strong northeasterly winds, with gusts over 40 mph.

With all the rain, people are looking for indoor activities to keep them occupied. The parking lot at Lowe’s Home Improvement Center was full and people were inside shopping and enjoying the new Christmas displays. Manager Alan Reaves said people need rain products in weather like this. “People can develop serious water problems,” he added, “They may need extra tarps and pumps. That will be our biggest sellers over the next few days.”

Ray Harlow and his son Ramie said they were Christmas shopping, looking over the tools on sale and checking out the Christmas displays while they tried to stay out of the rain.

Reaves said regardless of why they were shopping, he and his staff really appreciate everybody’s business.

Other people flocked to the mall to walk around and shop.

The Waffle House was full of people stepping out of the brisk weather for a warm cup of coffee and a chance to sit and talk with friends. “People want good food, fast service and a fun atmosphere where they can enjoy each others company,” said Manager Scott Wilson.

Down at Starbucks, Shift Manager Donna H. said people were using the Internet and trying to stay warm.

The Obie family and Phillip Purrington decided bowling at Fairwood Lanes was a great way to kill time. “It’s the only sport to do in cold weather,” said Manager Liz Hudson.

Hinton and Byers said they expect more trees and power lines down and more localized flooding throughout the day. People are encouraged to stay indoors if possible and to slow down if they must drive. Avoid and report all downed power lines and be careful of flooded roadways.

The good news is the weather is expected to clear Friday afternoon with sunny skies and warmer temperatures for the weekend.