Storm floods home

Jan. 14--Doug and Diana Bryan sat inside their home as flood waters continued to rise around it during a heavy storm in Yuba County on Monday. Both knew flooding was inevitable, but the conversation revolved around how bad each thought it might be and what course of action they should take.

When they woke up the next morning, water had made its way into the house, so they decided to leave. To reach their vehicles, they waded through about 11/2 feet of water.

"(The water) started coming up on Saturday and Sunday," Doug said. "We think there was a backup in the drainage ditches out here. The irrigation canals and drainage ditches in the area tend to overflow when it rains heavily."

The Bryans live on Hammonton-Smartville Road near Beale Air Force Base. They said their neighbor's home was also impacted by the flooding. After the brunt of the storm passed, they returned home to assess the damage. The 3 inches of floodwater that infiltrated the house ruined their floors, baseboards, sheetrock, some cabinets and furniture. Though they don't have flood insurance, Doug said he isn't positive it would cover the damage that was done.

"I think this is going to take a full rehab to get it back to what it was," Doug said.

Flooding in the area is commonplace for Diana, who has lived in the home for about 15 years and experienced it before. However, the event was something new for Doug, who has lived there for only two years. The couple married 16 months ago.

"About 10 years ago, the water came up to the house's foundation, with some minor flooding inside the house," Doug said. "So we thought that would be as bad as it could get, but it got worse than that this time around."

The Bryans said they, as well as their neighbors, reached out to the county and the Office of Emergency Services for assistance during the storm but were unable to get any help.

"The county said there is nothing they can do because it's a private property issue," Doug said.

By Friday, floodwater was still present on their 2-acre property, inside their garage and underneath the house, but the water that was inside the home was gone. However, the couple's home was still without power.

"At this point, we are just strategizing on what to do next," Doug said.

Diana said it's hard to know how much the repairs will cost and how much time it will take. By the time the furniture dries out and the flooring is no longer wet, she said, they will have a better idea on how to go about picking up the pieces.

"We are weighing our options and assessing what to do," Diana said. "We aren't sure if we can stay here. We are just taking it day by day at this time."

She said friends, families and co-workers have all gone above and beyond to offer support and assistance since their property flooded.

Though the Bryans are still dealing with the reality that a good portion of their home could be ruined from the floodwater, both Doug and Diana remained in good spirits.

Both said, while they welcome well-wishes and prayers from the community, they'd rather see people donate or extend a helping hand to the local homeless population affected by the flood.

"We are just happy that we are together and safe," Diana said. "We know we will be able to pull through this. This isn't the last of us."

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