Strong storm soaks Smithfield, forcing shelter residents to evacuate and washing out road

It appears that Smithfield received the brunt of the severe weather that rolled through the Triangle.

At a shelter that works to provide a refuge for victims of domestic violence, workers had to scurry to evacuate the facility.

Executive Director Kay Johnson said Friday that the storm forced 10 people out of the building around 3 a.m.

"The water was rushing into our shelter," she said. "We were feeling kind of overwhelmed."

Shelter officials said every room in the facility was flooded, including the room where they house donated supplies.

Officials said it could be a week or more before the space is cleaned up.

To make matters worse, officials said it's the second time the shelter has grappled with flooding in the three years the organization has been housed in the building.

The group grappled with flooding during Hurricane Matthew.

"But I know, as last time, we will get through this," Johnson said.

In another part of the city, officials were forced to close a stretch of Vermont Street after the roadway surrounding a pipe gave way because of the soaking rains.

"Yea, (we) got a lot of rain last night," said Lenny Branch, public works director for Smithfield.

Neighbors say it's the second time the pipe failed, the last time occurred right after Matthew.

"This patch you can see on the sidewalk is new," said Brian Wilson, "This has only been here two years and it's washed out again."

Branch said what used to be uncommon is becoming more common.

"These 100-year rain events, in the last 10 years, we have seen a significant amount of them," Branch said. "They are coming in and killing us."

Town officials say they have considered installing a larger pipe, which could take weeks and cost tens of thousands of dollars.

"Similar to yesterday, any storms that develop could intensify quickly and last into the evening," she said.

Much of the Triangle is under a Level 1 risk for severe weather. Isolated storms could bring damaging winds, heavy rain and small hail to those parts of the state.

A cold front is to thank for the storms, although high temperatures this weekend will stay in the low 90s. Friday’s high will be 92 degrees.