Hurricane Ida Floods Local Rivers and Communities

Small little towns all across the gulf coast are fighting their way out of torrential flooding as Hurricane Ida continues to dump water into rivers and tributaries. From as far away as Deweyville, Texas to Raleigh North Carolina the flooding has created localized disasters that will effect families for months to come.

In Deweyville, Texas the Sabine River was already above flood stage from previous rains before Hurricane Ida even entered the Gulf of Mexico. Storm surge has slowed the rate at which the river could recede, and rains from the outer bands of Ida pushed the river over it's banks. Cole Boudreaux left his home last Monday after he had secured all of his belongings by placing them well out of the reach of rising waters. "I'm taking what little will fit in my car and leaving the rest in God's protection" Boudreaux said. He echoes the sentiments of many in a small town that has been displaced due to rising water.

Flood stage for the Sabine River near the Deweyville and Orange Texas areas is approximately 24 feet. Before Hurricane Ida entered the Gulf of Mexico rains from the previous week had pushed the river up to within just inches of the banks. As Ida entered the Gulf and drove closer to the Gulf Shores flood waters pushed up to 28 feet and have remained at 28 feet since November 8th. The Sabine River is expected to crest sometime Wednesday evening and will is expected to slowly recede thereafter.

Ashlee Leonard of the Orange Chapter of the American Red Cross has stated through a local pass release that the Red Cross is "ready when needed." "Volunteers are on standby in our chapter and in neighboring chapters to respond to assist those who will need food and shelter," Leonard said.

Many of those displaced by the rising waters that Hurricane Ida has allowed to linger are finding shelter at the local churches. First Baptist Church of Deweyville, Texas opened it's doors to the community and last Monday resident's began showing up looking for a place to stay. The members of First Baptist Church of Deweyville have rallied behind their small community and are providing meals to those who have not been able to get into their homes. Shay Gail had been staying at the church until family arrived to transport them to someplace high and dry. Mr. Gail was thankful to have a place to stay, and was appreciative of the food and conversation afforded him during his stay. As of Wednesday afternoon Mr. Gail has 4 feet of water standing in his home. "You just do what you can do and hope for the best".

Students who have found themselves out of school have been lending a helping hand to those who can't help themselves. Throughout the community teenage boys can be found filling sand bags and shoveling ditches in order to prevent water from making roads impassable. Many residents of the Deweyville community have homes that are raised high enough to keep water out, but the local roads have been shut down and this prevents residents from attaining essential supplies. High School student's on four wheelers and boats have been delivering any supplies to those in need.