CHANNELVIEW, Texas – KPRC 2 visited the areas where people returned to their Channelview homes and businesses after Harris County lifted its mandatory evacuation order.
Over the past week, officials said 233 people and 186 pets were rescued from the rushing waters throughout the county.
KPRC 2 Reporter Corley Peel obtained surveillance video from The Riverside Seafood and Grill that showed roughly six feet of standing water outside the restaurant on Sunday morning.
General Manager, Manuel Morales, said it looked like it was a part of the San Jacinto River. Fortunately, the restaurant chose to close over the weekend. Because the restaurant is elevated, water did not make it inside the business, but outside, debris slammed up against the side of the restaurant and the boat docks were under water.
“It was scary but thank God nothing happened,” said Morales.
KPRC 2 spoke with Todd Gregory who was rescued by boat on Sunday. He said he knew it was time to leave his camper when he was waist deep in the water.
“I just had a gut feeling, just telling me to get out of here. You never know how fast it’s going to rise up there. Mother Nature is Mother Nature, you never play around with Mother Nature,” said Gregory.
His landlord and roommate, David Hurt, chose to stay. He said he wasn’t worried about his camper. Fortunately, the water did not make it inside.
“I was supposed to be the last one on the ship to go and some of them stayed here with me,” said Hurt.
The only water damage they had was a shed full of tools, clothing and other items.
County officials encourage those needing assistance from the flooding to contact 211.