The gathering storm
By 5 a.m. EDT on Saturday, Aug. 27, 2005, Katrina had become a major hurricane, with 115 mph winds elevating it to Category 3 status. By 10 a.m. Central Daylight Time, a hurricane watch had been issued for New Orleans and surrounding areas. By 10 p.m. CDT, a hurricane warning had been issued for the north central Gulf Coast, including the city of New Orleans.
A hurricane warning, as defined by the National Hurricane Center: Hurricane conditions are expected within the warning area within the next 24 hours, and preparations to protect life and property should be rushed to completion.