Veterans guard home with washed out road and threat of more flooding

Some homeowners in McLoud were stranded when the road into their neighborhood washed out.

Duane Lykins owns a house in the Pottawattamie County neighborhood.

He tells KRMG, “There was about eight of us with shovels. We got it to where it's halfway passable."

Lykins and his wife, who met in the Navy, are still at home despite the threat of more rain.

He says, "We're a bit concerned, yes. If it rains hard again, then we won't be able to get out at all."

Lykins says they don't want to leave their home and their animals; three dogs and four cats.”

"Our animals we've rescued, they've either been dumped out or came from a rescue organization. So, we're kind of soft hearted when it comes to animals."

Plus, their family’s house next door has horses and sheep.

Lykins says their house is up on the hill and he says they have plenty of food and water.

"Mostly we're on the top of the hill, so that helps somewhat."

He says, if they get stranded, they'll just have to be patient.