PALM BAY, Fla. — Ty Hayes was about to make coffee before work when he heard a loud boom outside. Seconds later, water was pouring into his home.
READ: One man dies in Palm Bay floods
“I went to go out my back door to see what it was, and before I could even open it, water just started gushing into the house,” Hayes told Channel 9.
Photos: Major road washout leaves 60 households stranded
Monday’s heavy rain pushed a canal over its banks along Fallon Boulevard NE. The water covered the road and the guardrails, and no one could see that the road underneath was washing away.
At least five cars were swallowed by the water. Four of them belonged to Hayes and his family.
Eight people were inside Hayes’ home. Everyone got out safely, but Hayes says the house is ruined.
“We’re all glad that we’re alive and everything like this, you know. But but that’s an afterthought when you have nothing left,” he said.
This browser does not support the video element.
Neighbor Ariana Reyes watched it happen.
“The canal started filling up so fast, and the next thing you know, our neighbor’s car was gone, and then the rest of his cars were gone,” Reyes said.
The canal bridge was the only way in or out of the neighborhood. We found out at least 60 households are now stranded. Crews are working on repairs. We are working to find out when the road will be repaired.
Hayes is now asking for help.
A GoFundMe account has been set up to support the family.
“I’m just asking, you know, the community and everything, and you know, to try to come together and help us through this situation,” he said.
Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.