Written By: Brian Murnahan, American Red Cross Public Affairs

When the wind and rains came from Hurricane Ian, the residents of eastern Orlo Vista, in northern Orange County, knew there might be flooding in the streets but thought they would be safe. On Thursday morning, LaKeisha Williams and her family, who have lived in the community for 28 years, realized they were not safe.

“My mom came in and woke me up and said the water was in the house,” explains Williams. “We’ve lived here for almost 30 years, and it’s never been like this. We had three or four feet of water flowing through the house.”

Williams and much of her neighborhood choose to ride it out. A neighbor that didn't want to be named said, "This isn't even the most rain we've had. I've seen more, because a lot of our flooding is caused by rain upstream from here."

Many in the unincorporated Orange County community had chosen to wait out the storm only to find themselves stuck in their homes as the water came up. Another neighbor had just discovered that the owner would not repair their home. He said that Thursday and Friday, the streets were filled with all sorts of boats and canoes so people could get in and out.

In response to the storms, the American Red Cross opened shelters in nearby neighborhoods, sent out disaster action teams to review the damage and sent vans full of hot meals into the community to help those most impacted.

Williams, a resident of Hope Circle, approached a Red Cross disaster relief vehicle Monday afternoon with a tablet of notes and questions for the Red Cross and picked up lunch while she was there. Her family had an uncomfortable weekend, having chosen to stay in their car rather than go to a shelter.

“The Red Cross offered the shelter, but we’re not sure we want to do that yet. They said they would call back this afternoon with an update. We might take advantage of the shelter but will be back for the hot meals.”

The damage to homes in Orlo Vista and many other communities is visible from the street.

"You see that line across the front of the house," said Diane Weber, a Public Affairs volunteer and disaster action team volunteer from Birmingham, Alabama. “When the disaster action team comes by to do their assessments, they will look for clues like that, making their determination.”

As the sun rose Thursday, Williams could see how much water was in her neighborhood. Even with water in their home, they did not want to leave their home when the evacuation boat came by the first time. Then when the boat came back by, the Williams family of five, including her parents, brother and nephew were taken to dry land. “When they came back, we agreed to go with them,” said Williams.

The Red Cross continues to work tirelessly to provide food, shelter and comfort for people facing the heartbreaking devastation left behind by Hurricane Ian. With the support of partners and volunteers, we’re reaching more people and communities in need each day. To help people affected by Hurricane Ian, visit redcross.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS, or text the word IAN to 90999 to make a $10 donation.