In the early hours of the morning, Angie Dooley and her father, Scott, found themselves facing a harrowing situation as floodwaters from Milton began to inundate their Daytona Beach home. Scott, 55, described the overwhelming scene inside their house, with water seeping in through various openings, including the shower, toilet, and doors.
Realizing the urgency of the situation, the Dooleys made the decision to evacuate. Despite the challenges posed by the rising waters, they embarked on a perilous journey to reach their car parked on the flooded street. Angie, 20, expressed her concern for her father, who wears prosthetic legs, as they navigated through the treacherous conditions.
Angie recounted a moment of panic when she momentarily lost sight of her father in the floodwaters, fearing he had fallen beneath the surface. She described the difficulty her father faced in maintaining his grip on the fences due to the heavy flooding.
Upon reaching their car, the Dooleys encountered further challenges as they attempted to remove water from the vehicle and start the engine. The turbulent conditions caused the car to sway precariously, adding to Angie's anxiety during the ordeal.
Despite the adversity they faced, the Dooleys managed to drive to a nearby parking lot situated on higher ground. There, they sought refuge in their car for the duration of the storm, ensuring their safety amid the relentless downpour.
Their story serves as a testament to the resilience and determination exhibited by individuals in the face of natural disasters, highlighting the importance of preparedness and quick decision-making in safeguarding lives during emergencies.