Several homes and businesses sustained significant structural damage from strong thunderstorms that swept through the area Wednesday evening. Straight line winds are being blamed for the damage in South Smithfield, South Brightleaf Boulevard and Brogden Road areas.
One person was injured when a large tree fell on a car on E. Lee Street. Emergency crews had to remove the woman from the vehicle before she was taken to the hospital for non-life threatening injuries.
Numerous structures were damaged from the strong winds.
An above ground LP gas tank became disconnected due to flooding next to a business on Wal-Pat Road. The Smithfield Fire Department responded and quickly contained the gas leak.
At the peak of the storm, the Town of Smithfield reported two main electric circuits were out of service causing 1,300 customers to be without power. Electrical service was restored to all but 5 customers by 2:30am Thursday. Those 5 customers had damage that will require a private electrician to make repairs before the town can safely reconnect service to the homes.
Town crews worked throughout the night to clear debris from streets and remove fallen trees from roadways.
Officials have not placed an estimate on the damage caused by the fast moving storm. Photos by John Payne
