A raging storm began and slowly forced Lake Conroe to exceed its capacity, flooding the streets of Kingwood, on May 2. Students were stuck at home because of flooded streets, and others tried to navigate the flooded roads to find streets safe enough to drive through.

“When I saw the parking lot was flooded, I told my friend we were going home,” senior Morgen Dozier said. “The water came up to my car’s hood on the way to my house.”

As Dozier attempted to go to school with friend sophomore Marissa Chinen, they were caught in the downpour. 

“We were afraid of getting caught in the flooded streets with the power going out,” Chinen said.  

Even students who did not go to school were worried about their homes and family members. Because of the severity of the weather, students like senior Yazmine Pena feared what was to come for their home and pets. 

“I was sick and I didn’t plan on coming to school anyway and then I heard about a dam coming and we were supposed to get flooded so I kinda got worried because we have a whole bunch of animals,” Pena said.

The unexpectedness of the storm made it difficult for many to navigate their way around Kingwood. In places like Forest Cove, waters were as deep as six feet in some places.

“It flooded around every street so we couldn’t leave the house,” Pena said. 

During Harvey, freshman River Balcom’s family faced flooding that caused them to evacuate. Every time flooding threatens again, the memories return.

“[We] had to carry the dogs while they were swimming, then [I] had to carry [my] backpack with all [my] clothes in it, and it was just heavy, and your arms hurt,” Balcom said. 

Houston officials urged some east of the San Jacinto River to evacuate before the heavy rain hit if their homes flooded during Harvey. Damages were generally less severe with this most recent flood. Despite the tragedy of the storm many still found themselves enjoying the extra time with their loved ones.  

“I had fun kayaking through the water to get to the store,” Pena said.