Hurricane Katrina: Part 1

New Orleans, located below sea level and surrounded by water, has a history of enduring storms. Despite flood defenses built in the 1960s, Hurricane Katrina in 2005 revealed the city's vulnerability. Initially underestimated, Katrina gained strength over the Gulf of Mexico, leading to a mandatory evacuation as it headed for New Orleans.

How did Hurricane Katrina differ from ordinary hurricanes according to the monitoring team?

What action was taken in response to the realization of the hurricane's threat to New Orleans?