The 2005 storm that killed over 1,800 people and devastated New Orleans and southern Louisiana was Hurricane Katrina.
The Impact of Hurricane Katrina
Hurricane Katrina stands as one of the most destructive and costly natural disasters in United States history. Its catastrophic impact extended across the Gulf Coast, leaving a profound mark on the region and the nation.
Key Impacts:
- Human Toll: The storm was responsible for over 1,800 fatalities, making it one of the deadliest hurricanes in U.S. history.
- Widespread Destruction: New Orleans, in particular, suffered immense damage due to widespread flooding caused by the failure of the levee systems. Large areas of southern Louisiana and the Gulf Coast were also severely impacted.
- Displacement: Millions of people were left homeless along the Gulf Coast and in New Orleans, leading to a massive displacement of residents.
- Economic Cost: Hurricane Katrina caused approximately $161 billion in damage, making it the costliest hurricane on record.
Storm Development and Timeline
Hurricane Katrina began as a tropical depression and rapidly intensified, highlighting the volatile nature of hurricane formation in the Atlantic.
- August 23, 2005: A tropical depression formed over the Bahamas.
- August 24, 2005: The tropical depression strengthened and was officially named Tropical Storm Katrina.
- August 25, 2005: Katrina made its initial landfall as a Category 1 hurricane in Florida.
- August 28, 2005: Katrina rapidly intensified over the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico, reaching Category 5 strength with peak sustained winds of 175 mph.
- August 29, 2005: Hurricane Katrina made its devastating second landfall near Buras-Triumph, Louisiana, as a Category 3 storm, and a third landfall near the Louisiana-Mississippi border.
Key Facts About Hurricane Katrina
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Name | Hurricane Katrina |
| Year | 2005 |
| Fatalities | Over 1,800 |
| Affected Areas | New Orleans, Southern Louisiana, Mississippi Gulf Coast |
| Damage Cost | Approximately $161 billion |
| Record | Costliest hurricane on record |
| Formation Date | Tropical Depression: August 23, 2005 |
| Tropical Storm Date | August 24, 2005 |
| Displacement | Millions left homeless |
For more detailed information on Hurricane Katrina and its impact, you can refer to resources from reputable government archives and historical organizations, such as the George W. Bush Library's topic guide on Hurricane Katrina.
