Fountain hail victims gear up for rain, possible leaks

Rain headed our way isn’t the best news for homes and cars damaged by this week’s hail storm. That hail, some of it as big as tennis balls, breaking windows, even going straight through roofs. Many neighbors are out working to cover their shattered windshields and homes. Five days after the biggest overnight hail storm in more than 20 years, Miguel Paniagua is still rummaging through the damage. “Just trying to tarp up what we can,” he said. And because his ceiling has caved in, he has to wear a mask to protect his lungs. “We don’t know if the house has asbestos plus all the dust that’s in there from the fiber glass,” Paniagua said. While it seems it can’t get any worse, Paniagua is worried about more severe weather. “We’re tarping off what we can so it doesn’t get damaged by the water,” he said. Others also hoping the tarps on their roofs and cars keep them safe from more damage. “Hopefully that will keep it out but if it doesn’t then we have buckets and towels inside to collect all the water we can,” said another neighbor. Meanwhile he is retaping the tarps on his family’s 5 cars with broken windshields and windows. “You just gotta keep an eye out on your car and stuff on the tarps and the tape and make sure everything is patched out and sealed.” Most in Fountain, now keeping a close eye on the sky hoping they’ve done enough to prepare for what’s to come.