VIDOR, Texas — A neighborhood north of Vidor is dealing with a major flooded road, even though there hasn't been much rain in weeks. Their homes which used to be by the river, are now in the river.
People who live in the community located on Connolly Road off of Highway 1131 say they haven't seen their yards or driveways in more than seven months.
Several families started using boats in February 2024 to get in and out of their homes and now they're pleading for help.
There is only road in and one road out of the community that is now literally part of the Neches River. Members of the community say while the area would sometimes flood, the high water never stuck around for months.
Residents say they have been forced to travel a half-mile stretch of Connolly Road by boat with no explanation as to why it is still flooded.
"I've been out here about 18 to 20 years, you see what kind of mess we've been in. It was never like this before, this bad," said resident Nolan Meyers.
Meyers, along with Billy Russell and Corey Ortego live on the submerged street. They say their daily commutes for work, school and groceries are no longer a quick trip because of the still flooded road.
"You got 15 minutes in a boat before you get to the truck," said Russell.
"It's not like just jumping in your car driving from your front door to town. I'm an old man and I'm overweight, and it's just real hard on me to get in and out of the boat, and then I got to climb the stairs after I fight the river to unload my groceries," Meyers told 12News.
Meyers says he's reached out to several state officials for solutions.
"I've contacted Salt Water Barrier. I've contacted Sam Rayburn, the Gage people, Randy Weber, Brian Babin, Greg Abbott, Ken Paxton, Dan Patrick. I have contacted all I know who to contact, and I have not gotten any response," said Meyers.
According to Meyers, FEMA was the only contact who responded.
"They told me that I should call the police. What are the police are gonna do?" Meyers said.
Meyers, Russell and Ortego say they're worried about the future impact of severe weather and even the cold, if the water levels remain the same.
"The last hurricane that came through, the water was already up like this. So can you imagine, if a real hurricane came through, what it would be like back here," Ortego said.
While these residents may be unable to literally stand on solid ground, they say they will continue to adapt and overcome until the water subsides.
"Of course, we just got to keep fighting. We just want a normal life out here we can get in our truck go to town, come back, stuff like that," said Meyers.
12News reached out to Orange County Judge John Gothia about what's caused this and what can be done. We will update you when he responds.