Local veteran uses knowledge of cars to help stranded motorists during floods

In the midst of the chaos that consumed Michiana 24 hours ago, Ryan Stout, put his military expertise and knowlege of cars to good use.

Up to 10 inches of rain in about 14 hours.

Flash flooding, Monday, in to the early hours Tuesday morning.

Houses damaged.

Jennifer Lord's house was severely damaged by flood.

"The water in my yard looked like a raging river going through," said Lord.

Vehicles were stalled and stranded.

Ryan Stout has been an employee at Tim's Auto Repair in South Bend for nearly 5 years.

He knows cars.

So when residents in his neighborhood near Ireland Road found trouble last night, he came to the rescue.

"I put my reflector belt on that I had in the military. I turned by flashlight on to draw their attention. Started stciking my feet out there. Told em I had their backs and they were good to go," said Stout.

The body shop shows the aftermath of the devastating flood.

Dozens of cars badly damaged by the high waters.

Stout says being prepared for "anything" is key and better to be safe than sorry.

"Either way its safe to stay off the road. If you do go out, you are looking at a pretty expensive bill. We all saw the photos from this morning, I can't imagine what those folks are going through today," said Stout.

For Jennifer and her family the fix will take more than a look under the hood.

"It's hard. I don't know where we are going to go," said Stout.