Storm waters leave some still trapped in Wilson, Edgecombe counties

Contentnea Creek in southeastern Wilson County washed over, causing swamp water and carp to cover roads and wheat fields.

Water covered Pelt Road near Stantonsburg, forcing some residents to use boats or 4-wheel vehicles to get by.

"I've seen it this bad, but only from Hurricane Floyd," said Cody Home, who lives in the area.

Jerry Wiggs used his pickup truck to take his sister-in-law to work.

"It took a risk, that's what I done," he said. "We went fine going through, but when I came back, I was by myself, and I got too far over."

His truck lost traction. Wiggs thought he would be swept away.

"It was scary," he said.

The flooded roads forced Wendy Wood to call out of work Thursday.

"I had to. I called my boss and said 'I can't get out,'" she said.

Storms devastating the Midwest, Gulf Coast and Northeast this week brought flooding to Wilson and Fayetteville; confirmed tornadoes in Cumberland, Sampson and Edgecombe counties; and thunderstorms and strong winds across the region Tuesday and Wednesday. Twisters touched down in Stedman, Salemburg and Conetoe, officials said. No deaths were reported due to severe weather.

In Fayetteville, 15 people spent Wednesday night at a storm shelter due to their homes being flooded. Nine remained in the shelter Thursday afternoon.

Storm waters caused 800,000 gallons of untreated waste water to overflow into Buckhead Creek in Fayetteville, officials said. The overflow ended early Wednesday morning after flood waters subsided and replacement equipment was installed. The overflow did not cause any environmental impact due to the waste water being heavily diluted by storm water, officials said.

Edgecombe County officials said 12 to 15 homes along Mooring Road received minor damage Wednesday. Several area barns also lost roofs, officials said.

On Doge Point Drive in Pinetops, standing flood waters kept people in about a dozen homes trapped.

"It is up to your knees, and it is moving too," said Sarah Bridgers, who lives on the street. "With everything in there with it. Fish, everything. We have seen fish out here."

The moving water - and the things moving in it - did not stop neighborhood children from playing in it.

And diving in it.

And boating in it.

"We are having a good time today," said Abel Oviedo-Salazar, who played in the water.

Juan Gallardo was brave enough to drive through it, even as the water reached the front bumper of his car.

"I can't believe it, but I did," he said.