North Stonington — The Village Hardware Store and the Watermark Cafe, two business located in a 200-year-old building on Wyassup Road, are on the verge of collapse because of flooding of the Shunock River.

Fire Chief Charles Steinhart V said that on Wednesday the fire department worked to recover some furniture, rugs and a couch from the Watermark Restaurant.

“We had to go through the windows. The water went straight through the building and underneath the floors,” Steinhart said.

The village was briefly evacuated on Tuesday, and residents have since been able to return but Main Street remains closed. The town hall is only open for “get in, get out” business, Steinhart said.

“Everyone is concerned about the village. Main Street is the throughway through town, it’s definitely hindering our fire response through town,” Steinhart said.

According to Steinhart, Pinewoods Road and Lantern Hill Road are completely washed out.

The bridge at Route 184 between the rotary and Route 49 is condemned, and Boombridge Road is down to one lane.

“Please obey road closures and detour signs. They’re up for a reason,” Steinhart said.

“People are taking their lives in their own hands by crossing over condemned roads and bridges.”