Valley natives affected by Hurricane Harvey looking for answers among the chaos

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- More questions than answers is the harsh reality for many families living in the Lone Star State right now. But a monster storm like Harvey was the furthest thing from Stephanie Harris' mind when the Visalia native moved to Rockport, Texas with her husband and two young daughters last September.

"How we're going to do all that-- how we're going to get cell phone service? How are we going to get up and running? Everything right now is a question; we don't have answers-- we are looking for answers from everybody."

The most powerful hurricane to rock the state in more than 50 years has forced Harris and her family to stay with relatives four hours away, as they await word that it is safe to go back.

"I have a nine-year-old and a six-year-old-- two girls who are very emotional and worried about their friends and teachers. They're worried about their school and trying to explain to them that we can't go home, it's been really heart wrenching."

Meanwhile, others like Manny Fernandez remain right in the middle of the chaos. The Fresno State grad is a veteran reporter for the New York Times.

"Fresno feels like another world away because this is so wet, it's so bizarre, it's so surreal. I'd love to be sitting at Castillo's eating some enchiladas right now."

But instead Fernandez is in a poncho clenching his laptop, describing the catastrophe to millions of readers around the world.

"It's hard to conjure up the words to describe the wetness and the wind and the water and the anxiety and the worry and the grey skies-- it's hard to convey it."

The Harris family had hoped to go back to their home on Tuesday, but they may have to wait several more days before they can visit the region again.

Also, President Trump Monday pledged 100-percent support for those hit by Harvey and said he may visit the area again Saturday.