Power restored but damage remains after intense Johnston County storms

Work that started overnight continues Thursday afternoon as residents in Smithfield clean up damage in their yards caused from the heavy rain and strong winds.

Sudden winds brought down trees, limbs and leaves in south Smithfield near the Country Club of Johnston County.

At least 12 homes have significant damage, according to emergency officials, and dozens of customers were without power until late morning.

Officials in Johnston County said the streets hit the hardest were British Court and County Club Road. Heavy damage was also reported on Lee Lane, Lake Park Circle and Quail Run, which are all small roads off Country Club Road.

Crews were working to clear debris to reopen the roadways while Duke Energy crews worked to restore power to the area after power lines were knocked down. People who live nearby said they brunt of the storm seemed to come out of nowhere.

Craig Williams says he was on the golf course when the storm picked up. Worried for his family back home, he drove his golf cart through the some of the wind and lightning to see the mess around his property.

"The lightning and blowing rain was just everywhere, you could hardly see in front of you," he said.

No injuries were reported, and power has been restored to the area.