By Jennifer Stanko

The normally empty sidewalks of the Steeplechase subdivision in east Kyle were anything but on Saturday. 

For many residents, the concrete walkways in the neighborhood were lined with debris, carpet, and other treasures. All of it was rendered garbage, ruined by the nearly 16 inches of rain that poured down in the span of approximately two hours on Friday.

For residents of Steeplechase, the amount of rain and ruin that took place in a short amount of time was a shock to the system.

Two residents who suffered damage were Billy and Carissa Vinson. According to Carissa, the water was ankle deep in their home. She said all of their hardwood floors were destroyed due to buckling from the water. A nasty stench lingers in their home.

“We were not expecting this much damage,” Billy Vinson said. “By the time I had made it home from work in Austin by almost 1 p.m., all of the water was gone and all the damage had already been done”

For many of the residents, the deluge of rain flooded into their homes within a matter of minutes. Several residents said their cars were submerged under at least a foot of water.

A handful of homes lost all their floor coverings and lots of furniture, and many residents are now without a vehicle due to water damage.

Residents that have lived in the area for over 20 years said they have never been affected by flooding, even with the heavy downpours of rain earlier this May. 

Many homeowners said they’ve tried to file claims with their homeowner’s insurance companies, only to be denied.

Since this area is not a “flood plain area” their claims will not be covered by their homeowner’s insurance.

“It is disappointing that this flood is not considered an ‘act of God’, but a tree limb falling on a car is and is covered by insurance,” Carissa said. “Our whole house flooded, and we are left to cover the expenses on our own with no help from the insurance company.”

Kyle City Council member Daphne Tenorio said she is in the process of working with FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) to see what can be done to help the residents.

Residents said they are very grateful to a local church, Hays Hills Baptist Church, who has stepped in and helped with disaster clean up.