Mayor Peggy Sasser saw the devastation first-hand. She, along with her husband and mother, got stuck in the waters. When they went to sleep the water was flowing in the creek like any other night. When they awoke around 2 a.m. they were on an island.

“I looked out and it was all around the house,” said Sasser.

They rushed into their two vehicles and tried to get out of the flood zone. Before they knew what had happened their cars were stuck, and they were forced to abandon them. That’s when Sasser’s worst nightmares were realized. She watched as her husband, and mother, lost their footing and fell below the water line.

“I’ve never been so scared in my entire life," Sasser said. "I thought my mother would drown, I thought my husband would drown, and I thought I was going to drown.”

Miraculously her loved ones regained their footing. They rose from the water, and a nearby neighbor swooped in and saved them one-by-one.

By the time rescuers got to Sasser, the water had risen to her chest.

“He kept promising he wouldn’t let me fall or anything,” said Sasser.

Her rescuer kept his promise. They all made it out alive, and were transported to the Pax Community Center. Now they’re waiting to find out the latest news. They believe most of their possessions were lost, despite having their home built more than five feet off the ground. They’re also certain their cars will be a total loss.

The water started to recede, unfortunately their fears did not.

“After you warmed up it was the nerves that had you shaking, it was devastating,” said Sasser.