SALEM (WSLS 10) - A handful of people and businesses along the Roanoke River in Salem - which already experienced recent flooding - were packing up and moving out before more flood waters sweep in.
Many residents along West Riverside Drive and Front Street were packing their trunks and moving trucks with valuables, furniture and suitcases they plan to live out of for a few days. And, some area residents were busy pumping out their basements so, that if flood waters reach their homes again, water damage will hopefully be limited.
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"Other than cutting the water to the house in case any water lines bursts, there's really nothing more we can do," said Steven Koll, who lives by the river. "We don't want to get any extra water in if we can avoid it."
And some local businesses are feeling the sting of Mother Nature too. River Rock restaurant management experienced eight-inches of water inside the building on Tuesday.
In the flood of 1985 River Rock restaurant was hit hard and left with more than $50,000 in damages. It's prompted management to lay sandbags down near the doors and windows in an attempt to stay dry.
"The structural damage is my main concern, its' tearing my building up," said Owner David Brice. "I don't mind coming in cleaning it up, but if the buildings torn up then it's a totally different story."
With the damages from Tuesday heavy rains, the owner said he can still open on Monday... that's if the restaurant is not flooded over the weekend.
At this point, many are more worried about their personal safety than their homes; it's pushing people to find an alternative place to live until they can safely return to their neighborhood.
If you're looking for higher ground and a dry place to wait out the storm, shelters throughout our area are on stand-by. To find the nearest shelter near you visit our website.