After Irma’s destruction, stories of escapes, heartbreak

Paul Johnson points to the flood water line on his truck in the San Marco neighborhood in Jacksonville, Fla., Monday, Sept. 11, 2017. Johnson tried to drive his prized posession truck out of the flood but it sputtered and died and still wouldn't turn on hours later. The nature of Irma’s eye, its wide girth and especially its path made its storm surge seem somewhat strange with far off Jacksonville getting hit hard while parts of western Florida got off lighter than expected. (AP Photo/Claire Garafolo) Paul Johnson points to the flood water line on his truck in the San Marco neighborhood in Jacksonville, Fla., Monday, Sept. 11, 2017. Johnson tried to drive his prized posession truck out of the flood but it sputtered and died and still wouldn't turn on hours later. The nature of Irma’s eye, its wide girth and especially its path made its storm surge seem somewhat strange with far off Jacksonville getting hit hard while parts of western Florida got off lighter than expected. (AP Photo/Claire Garafolo)

By Associated Press September 12, 2017 7 min read

After days of warnings and a devastating trek up Florida, Irma’s assault finally ended. Those left in its wake emerged from homes and shelters to see what was left. For many, there was a measure of relief. Others faced questions that would take weeks or months to answer after the powerful storm robbed them of their homes and belongings.

Their stories provide a glimpse into the extensive reach of Irma’s wrath:

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A STRUGGLE TO START THE DAY

Jen Gilreath and Cameron Brainard didn’t want to get out of bed Tuesday morning. They tried to keep their eyes closed as long as they could, and avoid confronting the chaos left behind by floodwaters that rushed into their rented house in the San Marco neighborhood of Jacksonville.