For Katrina survivors in Atlanta, Hurricane Ida brings up traumatic memories

ATLANTA — Millions of people are hunkering down as Hurricane Ida makes landfall in Louisiana and Mississippi.

The Gulf Coast is taking the brunt of the storm on the 16th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina.

Channel 2′s Elizabeth Rawlins was at the Red Cross, where at least 600 volunteers have already been deployed.

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Officials said they have opened dozens of evacuation shelters across Louisiana and Mississippi. Volunteers have also pre-positioned supplies, moving truckloads of cots, blankets and comfort kits along with ready-to-eat meals.

Rawlins spoke to one Atlanta resident who was living in New Orleans when Katrina dealt a devastating blow to the city.

Matt Simmons was a senior in college. His sister was a freshman during Katrina, but still lives there. Simmons said she made the decision to pack up and evacuate the other day.

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“I talked to her,” Simmons said. “She packed more than she did 16 years ago. We literally thought (at the time) we would be back in three days, so we packed three days of clothes.”

You can help victims of Ida by donating to the Red Cross. Just text the word Ida to 9999.

We’re hearing more from Simmons about the chaotic days after Katrina, for WSB Tonight at 11 p.m.

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Hurricane Ida downgraded to a tropical storm (NCD)

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