Hurricane Katrina, after passing over south Florida and popping out into the Gulf of Mexico, has strengthened into a Category 5 hurricane and is set to hit the New Orleans area Monday morning. Category five is the strongest cateogry of hurricane, with winds over 155 mph and storm surges over 18 feet high. Only three category 5 hurricanes have ever hit the US, most recently Hurricane Andrew in 1992. Due to the city of New Orleans's unique geography, being under sea level and surrounded by water on three sides, it is extremely succeptible to the ravages of a strong hurricane. The entire city has been evacuated, but many are stranded. Experts have predicted that a direct Cat 5 hurricane hit on New Orleans could be the most destructive natural event in the history of the US, with potential for over 25,000 deaths and over $100 billion in damages.
Here's hoping that doesn't happen...