August 23, 2005 - A Hurricane Called Katrina (Part 1)
Hurricane Katrina was a destructive Category 5 storm that resulted in more than 1,200 deaths and caused $125 billion in damage.
Hurricane Katrina was a Category 5 storm that caused a path of destruction in August 2005, resulting in more than 1,200 deaths and $125 billion in damage, particularly in New Orleans, La. and the surrounding areas.
It was at the time the costliest hurricane on record, currently tied with 2017's Hurricane Harvey. The storm was the third major hurricane of the 2005 Atlantic season and the fourth-most intense hurricane on record to make landfall in the contiguous United States.
Hurricane Katrina lashes the Florida coast in 2005. Photo: Getty Images.
The storm came to life on Aug. 23, 2005, originating as Tropical Depression Twelve near the Bahamas. The next day, it strengthened to a tropical storm, becoming Katrina. It first made landfall on Florida's southern tip as a minimal hurricane.
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On today’s podcast, Chris Mei discusses the formation of Katrina and its life cycle as it notoriously grew into a powerful Category 5 hurricane and the death and destruction it caused.
“This Day In Weather History” is a daily podcast by The Weather Network that features unique and informative stories from host Chris Mei. Click here to listen and subscribe!
