Hurricane Katrina (Hazards)

Question 1

In what year did Hurricane Katrina happen?

Answer 1

2005

Question 2

What category was Hurricane Katrina on the Saffir-Simpson Scale when it hit struck land?

Answer 2

Category 4 (out of 5)

Question 3

How high were wind speeds when Hurricane Katrina hit land?

Answer 3

up to 140 miler per hour

Question 4

What were the main issues with the evacuation plans in New Orleans? (2)

Answer 4

Despite having multiple days of warnings, the evacuation plan wasn’t enacted up until 19 hours before the hurricane hit New Orleans.

Additionally, the plan did not accommodate for homeless, low-income, or many disabled people who were not able to evacuate themselves efficiently.

Question 5

How tall were the largest storm surges from Hurricane Katrina?

Answer 5

over 6 metres tall

Question 6

What was the main secondary hazard stemming from Hurricane Katrina?

Answer 6

Coastal and river flooding; 80% of New Orleans was flooded.

Question 7

What flood defences did New Orleans have in place? how well did they protect against flooding?

Answer 7

There were levees along the river bank to protect against fluvial flooding, however these broke in 53 spots and caused much of the city to flood.