ADA, OHIO -
Tropical Storm Isaac reached hurricane strength on Tuesday and took aim at New Orleans. Hurricane Isaac made landfall August 28, 2012, one day before the seven year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. The waters family chose to evacuate before Katrina made landfall, eventually making their way to Ada, Ohio. This week, they sit and watch the news, knowing exactly what residents are going through.
Rob Waters and his wife Sarah were living in New Orleans raising their two boys Robby and Donald. When deciding to settle down in the city, the couple said it never crossed their mind that one day they may have to leave it all behind.
Listening to the early reports of Tropical Storm Katrina, Rob heard that the storm was going to miss to the East. As he continued listen, reports said the storm had shifted and that Hurricane Katrina would hit New Orleans. Expecting to return, Rob and Sarah left at 6AM the next morning, leaving behind baby pictures, wedding pictures and all of their valuables.
Evacuating North, Sarah and Rob found nothing but booked hotels in Tennessee and West Virginia. Growing up in Lima, Sarah decided it would be best if they drove back to Lima to stay with her parents.
College professors before Hurricane Katrina, both Sarah and Rob decided to pick up where they left off, applying to all surrounding universities in the area, including Sarah's alma mater, Ohio Northern University.
When they left New Orleans their expectation was that they would return a few months later; now seven years after the storm, Sarah and Rob have no interest in moving back. The Waters family continue to watch the reports on Hurricane Isaac from the safety of their home, but say once everything is cleaned up, they would love to make another visit back home.
