Storm cleanup leaves Corpus Christi homeowner facing costly repairs

“I was watching TV,” said Elena Hinojosa, describing what started as a normal Saturday before severe storms moved through the area.

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Something many Coastal Bend residents may now be dealing with after this weekend’s severe weather is storm cleanup.

Tree limbs and branches were scattered across neighborhoods, and some residents are now paying the price after suffering serious storm damage.

“I was watching TV,” said Elena Hinojosa, describing what started as a normal Saturday before severe storms moved through the area.

Once the storms cleared, a neighbor came to check on her.

“Came and knocked on my door and said a tree fell on your house and it’s on fire,” she said.

According to Hinojosa, both AEP Texas and the Corpus Christi Fire Department responded Saturday after a tree fell near a power line.

Hinojosa said the tree was located on the property of the apartment complex behind her home. However, after reaching out to the complex, she said she was told the damage would be her responsibility.

“They had refused, it has happened before but it was just a branch and it ruined the back of my fence. I had to replace that because they said it was my responsibility,” she said.

3NEWS called and visited the apartment leasing office to try to get answers for Hinojosa, but due to holiday hours, no one was available to speak.

Phillip Sanchez with Tree Trimming and More said last week’s storms have kept him and his crew busy.

“This week, every call, every other call was hey Phillip there was this tree that came down,” he said.

Sanchez said regular tree trimming may seem like a small task now, but ignoring warning signs can lead to costly damage later.

“This arm is going to be a problem its growing laterally, it’s just going to continue to bear weight. Well guess what, she calls me eight months later and told me that arm came off and fell on her house,” he said.

The damage has now left Hinojosa facing a $1,500 repair bill — an expense she said she cannot afford right now.

“I’m on a fixed income,” she said.

Hinojosa said she is grateful the tree did not cause even more damage to her home, saying the situation could have been much worse.

In the meantime, Sanchez advises residents to address problem areas on their property before the next storm moves through.