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Birth of Katrina

This chapter:

• shows footage of the storm and people affected by it.

• reviews a computer simulation of a fictional Category 3 hurricane shown to federal and state agencies one year prior to Katrina's landing.

• reviews how hurricanes form and gather strength.

running time 5:59

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Upgrading the Storm

This chapter:

• shows how U.S. Air Force pilots fly into hurricanes to gather data on a storm's wind direction, wind speed, pressure, humidity, and temperature.

• reviews hurricane categories and the damage each type of hurricane can cause.

• presents New Orleans' topography.

• details how New Orleans was built up and reviews measures employed to combat flooding.

• reviews the two types of levees in New Orleans.

running time 9:44

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The Storm Approaches

This chapter:

• tells how wetlands can act to buffer a storm's impact.

• reviews why the wetlands surrounding New Orleans are disappearing.

• shows how early data on Katrina played out on the computer simulation and recalls the early warning efforts.

• interviews residents and Army Corps of Engineers response team members who remained in the city during the storm.

running time 9:19

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Katrina Makes Landfall

This chapter:

• follows the storm's progress as it hits New Orleans.

• reports on the levees that were breached and the flooding that occurred when the storm hit.

• shows footage of the storm and flooding of the Lower Ninth Ward.

• reports on additional flooding caused by bursts in three major locations along the 17th Street and London Avenue Canals.

running time 8:24

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The Day After

This chapter:

• reviews all the levee breeches that occurred and the efforts to repair them.

• chronicles efforts to rescue survivors.

• reports on damages and lives lost.

• raises the questions of whether the damage and loss of life were avoidable.

running time 5:37

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Protecting New Orleans

This chapter:

• reports on why the levees failed.

• explains hurricane cycles and explores whether hurricanes are becoming stronger.

• describes the amount of energy in a hurricane.

• explores questions about whether or how New Orleans should be rebuilt, and whether residents will return to the city.

running time 10:19