Distraught woman’s childhood home is destroyed by floods just two years after previous property was flattened by tornado

Terri Polk’s childhood home in Fort Pierce, Florida, was badly damaged by flooding on 2 November, leaving her to rebuild her life for a second time in two years. Her previous home was flattened by a tornado during Hurricane Milton, and the latest loss is especially painful because she had returned to care for her mother, who has Alzheimer’s.

Floodwater reached the tops of beds and ruined furniture and other belongings. The city declared a local state of emergency amid significant rainfall and widespread flooding, and later said building officials would assess affected properties. Polk has flood insurance, though it may not cover the damage, and says she remains determined to rebuild; health officials also warned that floodwater may contain bacteria, chemicals or debris.