Flooding triggers mandatory evacuations in Hollister
HOLLISTER, Calif. (KFSN) -- Overnight flooding in Hollister leaves homes looking like lakes.
Hollister resident Willi Ortner said he was at his home along Lovers Lane, and did not need any warning to know what was happening.
"If you get up and your feet get wet you don't need any notification."
Hundreds of people were evacuated and rescued Wednesday night after torrential rain flooded Pacheco Creek. Parts of the area were covered in waist deep water.
Officials with the San Benito Office of Emergency Services said their finished with their rescue phase.
"We're moving into our recovery phase, looking into what the damages are now that we have some day light and see what the problems are," said Kevin O'Neill, San Benito OES.
Ortner said the water levels in parts of his home reached at least 4 feet high. Inside the floor was completely submerged. His son came to help, but said the front of the house was filled with so much water he had to take an alternative route to reach the house.
"We didn't think it was going to be this bad. The whole neighborhood was underwater."
Officials said some people will be allowed back into their homes, but other's may have to wait a little longer.
Ortner said he is just glad it wasn't worse.
"Nobody died--so it's just material, can be fixed."
Officials said no one died and no one was injured.
