HARRIS COUNTY, Texas \u2013 Two tornadoes ripped through northwest Harris County just seven days ago. As families try to prepare for the holidays, the devastation remains painfully real and raw.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s been depressing, coming home watching what Mother Nature can do. How your whole life can change in just seconds, that\u2019s basically what it took.\u201d said Rafael Ponce.<\/p>\n
An EF1 tornado ripped through the Riata Ranch area with peak winds of 105 mph. \u00a0<\/p>\n
A stronger EF2 tornado struck the Klein\/Spring area with peak winds of 115 mph.<\/p>\n
Now, neighborhoods already reeling from ripped roofs, shattered windows, and destroyed HVAC systems are facing a cold, soaking nightmare. An overnight cold front brought heavy rain, thunderstorms, and plunging temperatures\u2014expected to drop into the upper 30s by Monday morning.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe insurance adjuster was supposed to be here this morning, but they canceled because of the weather,\u201d Ponce said. \u201cSo now I don\u2019t know when they\u2019ll come. I\u2019m taking pictures, starting cleanup myself, paying people out of pocket, and hoping insurance reimburses me. I\u2019ve got dogs in the backyard\u2014I can\u2019t let them get hurt.\u201d<\/p>\n
If your adjuster cancels and you\u2019re stuck waiting through rain and colder temps: <\/p>\n
Document everything\u2014clear photos & videos from every angle <\/p>\n
File your claim today\u2014don\u2019t wait for the adjuster \u00a0<\/p>\n
Ask for an advance\u2014many insurers give fast cash for tarps, hotels, temp repairs after major storms \u00a0<\/p>\n
Save EVERY receipt in a Ziploc bag and take pictures of receipts<\/p>\n
Finally, I asked Rafael one last question: <\/p>\n
\u201cWhat\u2019s helping you smile, even a little, through all this?\u201d <\/p>\n
His answer: \u201cJust being alive.\u201d<\/p>\n
In a week that tried to take everything, Rafael found one thing no storm could touch\u2014a grateful heart while cleaning up the mess.<\/p>\n
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