SMITHFIELD, N.C. — Emma Lee Brasier was truly shocked on Saturday. She couldn’t believe how high the Neuse River had gotten, and how close it was to downtown.

A heavy rain on Thursday has caused the river to rise to well above flood stage.

Several structures that are normally out of the water's reach were underwater Saturday as the river crested at more than 7 feet above flood stage. People were even coming up to the river’s edge to take pictures.

No major damage has been reported thus far.

Longtime residents tell us the water level was much higher in 2016 after Hurricane Matthew struck. It’s expected the waters will soon start to recede.

Other towns along the Neuse however, will see rising waters in the coming days.

On Sunday, Goldsboro is expected to have the water rise to well above flood stage. Early next week, the same situation is projected to occur in Kinston.