Katrina Rapidly Strengthens to Cat 5

A nightmare situation is developing for New Orleans as we now have a Category 5 storm bound for southeastern Louisiana.

Katrina strengthened significantly overnight and now has sustained winds of 175 mph (surely gusts to 200) and pressure of 26.78", which most people on earth have never experienced (stronger than when Hurricane Camille made landfall and much stronger than Hurricane Andrew which at its lowest point, was only 27.23").

Waves hit 35 feet last night at a buoy in the Gulf, before that buoy fell silent.