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When Did Hurricane Katrina Make Landfall? Full Timeline & Impact

Hurricane Katrina formed over the Bahamas on August 23, 2005, and grew into one of the most destructive storms in United States history. Understanding when Hurricane Katrina mad...

Mara Ellison Jul 31, 2026
When Did Hurricane Katrina Make Landfall? Full Timeline & Impact

Hurricane Katrina formed over the Bahamas on August 23, 2005, and grew into one of the most destructive storms in United States history. Understanding when Hurricane Katrina made landfall helps clarify the sequence of the storm, the warnings issued, and the response that followed.

Local officials, emergency managers, and residents tracking the storm relied on clear timelines and landfall details. This article breaks down when and where Hurricane Katrina struck, the conditions at each landfall, and how the impacts evolved across the Gulf Coast.

Tracking Katrina Before Landfall

In the days leading up to landfall, forecasters monitored Katrina as it crossed southern Florida and re-entered warm Gulf waters. The intensifying storm prompted new watches and warnings that directly informed when communities prepared for landfall.

Date Time (UTC) Location Stage Wind Category
August 25 19:30 Southern Miami-Dade County, Florida First U.S. landfall Category 1
August 28 18:00 About 345 miles southeast of New Orleans Gulf intensification Category 5
August 29 14:00 Southeast Louisiana near Buras Primary Louisiana landfall Category 3
August 29 16:10 Northern Mississippi near the Alabama border Second U.S. landfall Category 3

Primary Louisiana Landfall Details

Time and Location

On August 29, Hurricane Katrina made its primary Louisiana landfall around 2:00 p.m. Central Time near Buras, southeast of New Orleans. This moment marked the most damaging phase for the New Orleans area and surrounding parishes.

Storm Conditions at Landfall

At landfall, Katrina produced a large storm surge, widespread wind damage, and intense rainfall. Levee overtopping and breaches followed, leading to catastrophic flooding in New Orleans in the hours and days after the storm crossed the coast.

Mississippi Landfall and Rapid Weakening

Path Across the Coast

After moving over southeastern Louisiana, the center of Katrina crossed into Mississippi near the Alabama border. The storm maintained strong winds, but the interaction with land and increasing wind shear caused rapid weakening.

Impacts on Structures and Infrastructure

Mississippi coastal communities experienced extreme wind damage and storm surge, with many structures damaged or destroyed. The inland movement of the storm continued to produce heavy rain and tornadoes even as the system weakened.

Prepare for and Understand Landfall Timing

  • Monitor watches and warnings issued by the National Hurricane Center to know when landfall is expected.
  • Review evacuation orders early, especially for low-lying areas prone to storm surge and flooding.
  • Keep emergency supplies ready, including water, nonperishable food, batteries, and first-aid kits.
  • Document property and review insurance policies before a major storm to reduce recovery delays.

Key Takeaways on Hurricane Katrina Landfall

FAQ

Reader questions

What exact time did Hurricane Katrina make its first U.S. landfall in Florida?

Hurricane Katrina made its first U.S. landfall in southern Miami-Dade County, Florida, at 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time on August 25, 2005, with maximum sustained winds near 80 mph.

When did Hurricane Katrina make landfall in Louisiana?

Hurricane Katrina made landfall in southeastern Louisiana around 2:00 p.m. Central Time on August 29, 2005, near the community of Buras.

What time did Hurricane Katrina hit Mississippi?

Katrina struck Mississippi later on August 29, 2005, near the Alabama border, with landfall occurring in the mid-afternoon Central Time as a large and intense tropical cyclone.

How long after Florida landfall did Katrina reach Louisiana and Mississippi?

From its Florida landfall on August 25 to its Louisiana landfall on August 29 was roughly four days, and the Mississippi landfall followed about twelve hours later the same day.

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