August 29, 2005

August 29, 2005, five years ago today, was the date of Katrina's devastating landfall in Louisiana. The storm actually made landfall for the first time four days earlier, cutting across the southern Florida Peninsula as a minimal Category 1 storm (top winds 80 mph). Moving westward and then northwestward over unusually warm waters in the Gulf of Mexico, Katrina attained Category 5 intensity. At the time of its greatest strength, maximum winds were 175 mph and central pressure was 902 mb (26.64 in). By then (August 28) the storm was heading northwestward, directly toward New Orleans, and residents were strongly warned to flee. Katrina weakened somewhat (to Category 3, with maximum winds of 125 mph) before making landfall near daybreak on Monday, August 29.

Because the hurricane's eye passed just east of New Orleans, the worst wind damage occurred along the Mississippi Gulf Coast. (To the east of the eye, the storm's forward motion adds to the counterclockwise circulation.) It appeared as if New Orleans would be spared the worst from Katrina. However, northerly winds behind the storm pushed water from Lake Pontchartrain over the levees; continuing heavy rains exacerbated the flooding. Numerous levee failures occurred throughout the city, leading to massive floods and terrible loss of life. In terms of death toll, Katrina was the worst hurricane to hit the U.S. since the Lake Okeechobee storm of 1928 (3000 dead). In the 20th century, only the Galveston hurricane of 1900 (up to 12,000 dead) had a higher toll.

Although residents of New Orleans were strongly urged to evacuate, many did not. As in any hurricane, a few defiantly chose to stay behind and were seen on national TV pledging to ride the storm out. Because of Katrina's great intensity, however, there were not many such people; even the usual die-hards knew better than to hang around this time. Virtually anyone who could got out as soon as possible. The vast majority of those who did not evacuate were simply unable to, lacking cars or any reliable transportation out of the city. Some buses were made available, but not nearly enough. As a result, the Superdome was used as a shelter of last resort. Unfortunately, the roof blew off in the storm, the power went out, and those inside were stuck for days without adequate food, water, or sanitation.

To be continued tomorrow....