Wauwatosa families continue to heal and rebuild one year after historic flooding
WAUWATOSA, Wis. (CBS 58) — This Sunday marks one year since historic flooding damaged hundreds of homes and changed lives forever.
The Menomonee River Parkway in Wauwatosa was one of the hardest-hit areas, and there is still work to be done.
"We are a little bit more on edge and nervous about what could happen," said Jessica Young, who lives in the neighborhood.
One year after Young and her family had to be rescued from their home as it filled with floodwater, she is still trying to come to terms with her new reality.
"It's going to stick with us for a while, I think, and we are still kind of working through it," Young said. "We have great therapists and a great family and support system."
With water filling the basement and first floor, Young faced tens of thousands of dollars in damage in addition to losing both of her vehicles.
"It was like we lived inside of a lake," Young said.
Young said she is still making repairs and buying new furniture to fill her home. However, she said what sticks with her family most is the lingering trauma and worry that comes each time it rains.
"It is pretty stressful, and my son has brought it up a few times," Young said. "When it rains, he will ask if it's going to flood."
Each storm and period of heavy rain keeps her eyes glued to the riverway.
"I couldn't sleep that night," Young said. "I know up in my room, I can see a streetlight over where Menomonee River Parkway is, and I kept checking it overnight because I can see a little bit of grass, and I was like, 'OK, if I can see that, that's how I know the water's coming.'"
Young continues to take life day by day with her husband and 4-year-old son.
"It's trying to figure out how to be OK with the unknown because it just seems like more flooding and tornadoes are happening," Young said.
She said her family does everything it can to prevent flooding from happening again, but there is only so much they can do against Mother Nature.
Young said she hopes the city continues to be vigilant with its flood prevention efforts.