Remembering Hurricane Katrina, 21 years after one of America’s worst natural disasters devastated New Orleans

NEW ORLEANS — Sept. 25, 2006: A white jersey streaked right through the middle of the punt formation and New Orleans Saints special teams standout, Steve Gleason, blocked an Atlanta Falcons punt just outside their own end zone, leading to a scoop-and-score touchdown that sent more than 70,000 roaring fans into a frenzy in the Saints' first game in the Superdome since being ravaged by Hurricane Katrina. BASEBALL IN THE WILD? MLB EYES ICONIC NATIONAL PARK FOR FUTURE NEUTRAL-SITE GAMEThe Saints and the NFL marked the 20th anniversary of "The Rebirth" or "Domecoming" game, as it has come to be known by fans, Monday night with a special pregame remembrance ceremony. next NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - OCTOBER 05: New Orleans Saints fans ride a float during the Rebirth Parade celebrating Steve Gleason prior to the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Caesars Superdome on October 05, 2026 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Hurricane Katrina pushed the sea 10 kilometres inland in some communities. This wall of water turned a destructive cyclone into a generational tragedy along the northern Gulf Coast. More than 1,300 people died as Katrina’s fierce winds and unprecedented storm surge changed both coastlines and communities. A confluence of factors contributed to Katrina’s legacy as one of the worst storms in living memory. But it all started with the hurricane’s unique storm surge. DON'T MISS: What is a hurricane's storm surge—and why is it so dangerous? Katrina was a classic peak-season hurricaneA weak disturbance that blew off the coast of Africa on Aug. 11 would grow into one of the most destructive hurricanes in modern history. This disturbance formed into Tropical Storm Katrina over The Bahamas on Wednesday, Aug. 24. Katrina quickly intensified into a hurricane as it made landfall south of Miami, Florida, the following day. The system continued organizing as it moved west into the Gulf of Mexico. Faced with favourable conditions and very warm waters, Katrina underwent rapid intensification over the course of two days.

Hurricane Trudy will bring flood threat to the Southwest USTrudy is off the Mexican coast, but its moisture will pour into the southwestern U. S. and will help fuel a multiday flood risk across seven states this week from California to Colorado. A dip in the jet stream will also funnel in moisture from the Pacific as a strong low-pressure system moves into the region. Timing out this week’s rainfallWednesday: The highest risk of flooding on Wednesday covers much of Arizona and New Mexico, and portions of Colorado and Utah, as well as Southern California. There will be an abundance of moisture available to support heavy downpours and training storms. This means storms will produce heavy rain over the same areas for long periods of time. The Weather Prediction Center is forecasting rainfall rates as high as 2 inches per hour. Some of the biggest concern will be the possibility of mudslides over recent burn scar areas as well as slow canyons and arroyos. If you have plans to visit any of the national parks in the West this week, make sure you check the forecast daily and pay attention to any warnings or advisories issued.

THE TAKEAWAYChampi is expected to peak as a violent super typhoon with winds exceeding 160 mph. Another tropical threat — designated Invest 94E — is taking shape in the Pacific. The Pacific basin remains active amid a brewing Super El Niño. The Pacific remains a hotbed of tropical activity this week as Typhoon Champi churns across the region, while the FOX Forecast Center keeps a close eye on another area for potential development. The basin remains supercharged, fueling monster storms across the basin, including Champi, which has impacted Guam in recent days, with little sign of relief as Tropical Storm Trudy lingers near Mexico. CALIFORNIA STORMS COULD BRING MUCH-NEEDED RAIN AND RELIEF TO WILDFIRE-WEARY AREASThe FOX Forecast Center is also monitoring an additional storm that could develop in the near future. Satellite imagery showing the Northeast Pacific tropics. (NOAA / FOX Weather)Behind Tropical Storm Trudy, an area to watch with highly conductive environmental conditions is being observed south of Mexico, with a high probability of tropical development over the next seven days.

With Halloween around the corner, here are some simple swaps to make your display a treat for the neighbourhood...without tricking our wildlife. Skip the stretchy, fake spider webs outdoors. Birds and bats can get tangled in them. Try window clings or indoor webs instead. Keep lighting low and warm. Avoid bright spotlights and flashing lights, and turn decorations off overnight. Secure your decorations. Loose strings, fishing line and dangling decorations can entangle wildlife or blow away. (Marta Czurylowicz/The Weather Network)To prevent potential fires, choose battery-operated candles or lights instead of open flames. Be mindful of noise and motion. Loud, startling props can disturb animals, especially at night. Clean up daily. Pick up loose plastic, check for fallen decorations and make sure nothing has become a hazard. When you're done with those gourds, diispose of them responsibly so they don't attract wildlife, potentially putting them in harm's way on roads or in spaces near humans. The goal is to keep things spooky for the neighbours, not dangerous for nature.

As fall continues, we inch closer to Halloween, when millions flock outdoors in crisp fall temperatures to enjoy the holiday and spooky vibes. October is synonymous with candy, and some locations across the country have gained a reputation for being haunted over the years. So, what are the top 10 most haunted roads in the U. S.? HALLOWEEN HAZARD: WILDLIFE OFFICIALS WARN SPOOKY SEASON DECORATIONS POSE A HIDDEN DANGERHaunted enthusiasts from Sixt.com break down the most frightening streets to visit this month. Clinton Road, New JerseyNumber one on the list is Clinton Road in West Milford, New Jersey, one of the country's most famous haunted streets, thanks to the chilling backstory of a dead young boy who hangs out under a bridge and returns coins you toss into the water. spooky scene with headlights  apparition in deep fog at night. (Floriana / Getty Images)Kancamagus Highway, New HampshireComing in at number two is Kancamagus Highway, near Lincoln, New Hampshire, where the haunted roadway is also known for stunning fall foliage views. The highway is well known for its scary history, as a man named Thomas Colbath disappeared after leaving his home. TRAVELING FOR FALL FOLIAGE?