Hurricane Katrina

Quick Facts: Who was Hurricane Katrina?

Subject:

Hurricane Katrina

Known for:

Catastrophic 2005 Atlantic hurricane that devastated the Southeastern US, especially New Orleans.

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2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Hurricane Katrina was an extremely powerful and catastrophic tropical cyclone that affected the Southeastern United States in late August 2005, particularly in and around the city of New Orleans. Katrina became the United States' costliest tropical cyclone, with an estimated $125 billion ($206 billion when adjusted for inflation) in damages. The hurricane killed 1,392 people, making it the deadliest American hurricane since the 1928 Okeechobee hurricane and is the only mainland U.S. hurricane to have killed over a thousand people since then. Katrina was the twelfth tropical cyclone, the fifth hurricane, the third major hurricane, and the second Category 5 hurricane of the 2005 Atlantic hurricane season. It was also the fourth-most intense Atlantic hurricane to make landfall in the contiguous United States, as measured by barometric pressure.

Career & Major Achievements

The hurricane originated on August 23 near the Bahamas, from the merger of a tropical wave and the remnants of a tropical depression. Katrina strengthened into a hurricane before making its first landfall in southeast Florida on August 25. Crossing the state, the hurricane entered the Gulf of Mexico on August 26 and rapidly intensified. Early on August 28, Katrina peaked as a Category 5 hurricane, with winds of 175 mph (280 km/h) and a minimum central pressure of 902 mbar (26.64 inHg). Turning to the north, the hurricane weakened to a Category 3 hurricane before making landfall on August 29 near Buras-Triumph, Louisiana, with a subsequent final landfall near the Louisiana–Mississippi border.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Katrina also produced a widespread tornado outbreak while moving inland and weakening. On August 31, a cold front over Ohio absorbed the circulation of the former hurricane. The remnants of Katrina continued to the northeast, later moving through Canada before losing their identity on September 7 over the eastern Great Lakes. Eighty percent of New Orleans, as well as large areas in neighboring parishes, were flooded. It is estimated that about 100,000 to 150,000 people remained in the City of New Orleans, despite mandatory evacuation orders.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1928: 1928 Milestone — The hurricane killed 1,392 people, making it the deadliest American hurricane since the 1928 Okeechobee hurricane and is the only mainland U.
2. 2005: 2005 Milestone — Hurricane Katrina was an extremely powerful and catastrophic tropical cyclone that affected the Southeastern United States in late August 2005, particularly in and around the city of New Orleans.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Hurricane Katrina

True or False: “The primary cause of death from Hurricane Katrina was direct wind force during landfall.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): Investigators concluded that the largest loss of life was due to flooding caused by engineering flaws in the federally built hurricane protection system.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Ahmed Zaki (actor) — Historical peer (Died in 2005) (2005): Iconic Egyptian actor celebrated for intense dramatic performances and masterful impersonation.
• Akira Yoshizawa — Historical peer (Died in 2005) (2005): Japanese origamist, credited with elevating origami from a mere craft to a recognized living art.
• Adam West — Historical peer (Born in 1928) (1928): American actor best known for portraying Batman in the 1960s and extensive voice work.
• Adrian Frutiger — Historical peer (Born in 1928) (1928): Pioneering Swiss typeface designer, master of sans-serif aesthetics.

Frequently Asked Questions about Hurricane Katrina