Approaching The Tenth Anniversary of Hurricane Katrina...What Have We Learned?

Memories of Hurricane Katrina are starting to come to the forefront again now the tenth anniversary is just around the corner.  The powerful storm made landfall as a Category 3 system in southeast Louisiana on August 29, 2005.  Katrina killed more than 1,800 people and left millions homeless.  It also caused a record $108 billion in damage. 

Many experts believe the weather community did well during the event with warnings.  The same was said about emergency services.  However, one common belief is the fact our federal government had a hard time grasping the magnitude of what was happening at the time.  In fact, many in Washington didn't believe what they were hearing.

And as we look forward, there are dire warnings about becoming complacent.  After all, we haven't had another Category 3 storm in a decade.  The advice is always assume the worst.  In other words, have a plan, know your escape route, and always be cognizant of developing weather situations.  And of course listen to what meteorologists and law enforcement alike are telling you.