CONVERSE, S.C. -- Emergency workers were keeping a close eye on the Pacolet River on Thursday as heavy rains caused the waters to rise.

Waters spilled over the river’s banks because felled trees jammed the flood gates shut, officials from the Converse Fire Department said Thursday.

Damage was contained to a garage and several cars near the river, but officials said five homes were in jeopardy if the river continued to rise.

Neighbors said they were nervously watching the water levels.

“There’s (some) houses back behind us where the water has spilled over to the land close to their homes, so we are praying for them,” said Laura Jones, who lives near the river.

“I’m just hoping and praying that it won’t get too bad,” said Tommy McKinney, another resident who lives nearby. “I feel for the people that already have problems.”

The National Weather Service said the water level being reported near Converse was down to 4.48 feet and was continuing to fall on Friday morning. Meteorologists said the forecast is for water levels to continue their downward trend.