Families pick up the pieces after flooding in La Porte

Monday, November 2, 2015
Repairs start in La Porte after severe weather
Families start repairs in La Porte, Christine Dobbyn reports.

From a gaping hole in a La Porte home to backyard fences that now resemble a boardwalk, Mother Nature's path was hit and miss.

"There's water damage on the inside. Trying to get it to stop so we can clean it up," says Michelle Derrick. The rain was finally moving out, that meant a chance for the work to pick up. Derrick adds, "My son, husband and dad. We're trying to patch the holes for my brother since he's going to see a Cowboys game in Dallas."

From neighborhoods to the schools kids attend there was damage from both wind and water.

La Porte High School Sophomore Ediel Betancourt says, "I thought it was rain then I looked out the window and I heard it and woke everybody up." La Porte ISD will be closed tomorrow, an unexpected day off for students like Betancourt. "It's another day we don't have to be at school," he says.

A school spokesperson says Jennie Reid Elementary has the most damage and will be closed at least through Tuesday. It's a decision many parents believe is the right one.

"Most definitely, I would be worried. I haven't hardly driven to the schools but I would be worried about the damages and how safe it is for the kids to return to school," says Cindy Betancourt.

Whether hammering or helping there was a surprise appearance late in the day from the sun. "It would be great if this sun would peek out and have this rain stop," says Derrick. While she was surrounded by damage she is relieved no one there was hurt. "That is a blessing from God, very thankful," says Derrick.

Jennie Reid Elementary is also a voting location Tuesday but the district says that will not be interrupted. The area of the schools where the polls will be set up was not damaged.