What Category Was Hurricane Katrina? Revisiting the Destructive Storm

vivian

October 8, 2024 12:14PM EDT

NEW ORLEANS - AUGUST 31: Two men paddle in high water in the Ninth Ward after Hurricane Katrina devastated the area August 31, 2005 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Devastation is widespread throughout the city with water approximately 12 feet high in some areas. Hundreds are feared dead and thousands were left homeless in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida by the storm. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)

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Hurricane Katrina made landfall on August 29, 2005, primarily affecting the Gulf Coast of the United States, and became one of the deadliest hurricanes in U.S. history.

Hurricanes have been wreaking havoc suddenly and ruthlessly.

Helene made landfall on September 26 as a Category 4 storm, leaving a wide swath of destruction as it moved northward from Florida, washing away homes, destroying roads, and knocking out electricity and cellphone service for millions. Now, Milton is expected to be a monstrous storm, posing a significant threat to Florida’s Gulf Coast.

Just as Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans in 2005, one leading supply chain expert warns that this upcoming storm could be catastrophic for Florida’s west coast. “We don’t know the details of that right now, but it certainly has all the makings,” said Jon Davis, chief meteorologist at Everstream Analytics, in an interview with FOX Weather.

As these catastrophic events continue to unfold, here’s a look back at Hurricane Katrina, which devastated the Gulf Coast in 2005.

What Category Was Hurricane Katrina?

Hurricane Katrina was categorized as a Category 5 hurricane at its peak intensity. However, when it made landfall on August 29, 2005, near New Orleans, Louisiana, it was classified as a Category 3 hurricane.

Hurricane Katrina victims line up to receive food and water from National Guard units outside the convention center Friday, Sept. 2, 2005, in New Orleans. La. (Photo by Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle) (Photo by Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle via Getty Images)

How Many People Died from Hurricane Katrina?

Hurricane Katrina resulted in over 1,800 deaths, making it one of the deadliest hurricanes in U.S. history.

New Orleans, UNITED STATES: A plea for help appears on the roof of a home flooded in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans, Louisiana, 04 September 2005. New Orleans began counting its dead 04 September as US troops turned to the gruesome task of harvesting bloated corpses from the hurricane-torn city’s flooded streets and homes. AFP PHOTO/POOL/Robert GALBRAITH (Photo credit should read ROBERT GALBRAITH/AFP via Getty Images)

How Many Category 5 Hurricanes Have Hit Mainland U.S. Since 1990?

Andrew (1992): On August 22, Hurricane Andrew struck southern Florida as a powerful Category 5 storm, with sustained winds reaching up to 165 mph and gusts as high as 174 mph.

Katrina (2005): Katrina made landfall as a Category 1 storm in Florida on August 25, 2005, and quickly intensified to Category 5 by August 28, as it moved over the Gulf of Mexico.

Michael (2018): Michael formed on October 7 in the Caribbean Sea and rapidly intensified as it moved northward, making landfall on October 10 near Mexico Beach, Florida.

Milton (2024): On Monday, Hurricane Milton strengthened to a Category 3 before rapidly intensifying to a Category 5 just a short time later. Milton is expected to make landfall near Tampa, Florida, on Wednesday, October 9. Florida meteorologist John Morales became emotional while providing updates on Milton during an NBC affiliate WTVJ telecast on Monday, October 7. “Incredible, incredible hurricane,” Morales began, pausing momentarily.

“It has dropped 50 millibars in 10 hours,” he added, with tears welling in his eyes. “I apologize — this is just horrific,” he said.