Central Texans are busy with cleanup efforts following severe storms that swept through the region late on Sunday, May 10, causing significant damage and leaving debris in their wake.
The storms brought heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and hail, with wind gusts reaching up to 65 miles per hour. These conditions resulted in downed trees and power lines, prompting residents to take action.
In South Austin, the sounds of chainsaws filled the air as locals began clearing their yards. Melanie Gallardo, a resident, expressed disbelief at the storm’s impact. “We couldn’t believe it. We had to look at it multiple times to realize that it was real,” she said.
Prior to the storm, Melanie and her husband, Roman, had taken precautions by covering their cars with blankets. Just minutes later, a tree fell, shattering the windshields and allowing rain to flood the interiors of their vehicles. “We’re grateful, because when we were putting the blankets on, it was just three minutes before the tree came down,” Roman recalled.
After assessing the damage the next morning, Melanie noted, “Since the windshield got broken, it started leaking inside. We didn’t realize until the morning, when we were able to move the tree and open the car, that it was all wet inside.”
The couple now faces uncertainty as they rely on their cars for transportation and only have liability insurance. “It’s tough, because we’re here with my dad, who has a disability in his leg,” Roman explained. “We try to help with our cars, taking the kids to activities, school, basketball games, soccer games, and it just puts a dent in everything.”
Despite the challenges, the Gallardos are trying to maintain a positive outlook. “We’re happy that we’re OK, and it’s just some glass, rather than something worse,” Roman stated, emphasizing their gratitude for their safety amidst the chaos.
