It’s been nearly 20 years since Hurricane Katrina made landfall, but the storm continues to shape life on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. On the 19th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) urges residents to have a preparedness plan in place, especially during peak hurricane season.

“Like so many people who lived on the coast in 2005, my house was a total loss after Hurricane Katrina,” said Commissioner Charles Busby, Southern Transportation District. “Thankfully, my family and I got out of harm’s way in time and saved our most important asset — each other. Hurricane evacuation saves lives, and I encourage all coastal residents to have a plan in place.”

On Aug. 29, 2005, Katrina made landfall as a category three hurricane along the Mississippi Gulf Coast, leaving behind enormous destruction and significant loss of life. According to the National Weather Service, Katrina is one of the five deadliest hurricanes to ever hit the United States. The hurricane was responsible for 1,833 fatalities and approximately $108 billion in damage.

Within six hours of landfall, MDOT first responders opened all structurally safe roadways to emergency response teams. Within 16 hours, all state-maintained highway lanes had been cleared and opened for the public to access. However, major reconstruction was necessary, including two bridges on U.S. 90.

“While we all hope a storm like Hurricane Katrina never strikes again, it’s a wise practice to be prepared for the worst,” said Busby. “As first responders, MDOT crews remain ready to take action no matter what Mother Nature may bring.”

To help residents prepare for an evacuation, MDOT provides free resources including the MDOT Traffic mobile app, a hurricane evacuation checklist and the 2024 MDOT Hurricane Evacuation Guide in English, Spanish or Vietnamese.

The MDOT Hurricane Evacuation Guide features helpful information such as evacuation routes and tips, contraflow information, Mississippi Public Broadcasting radio coverage areas and important contact information for the Mississippi Highway Patrol, American Red Cross, Mississippi Emergency Management Agency as well as bordering state DOTs and highway patrols. Vital information on shelters, pet care, lodging and travel resources is also included.

To download the Hurricane Evacuation Guide and the full hurricane evacuation kit checklist visit GoMDOT.com/hurricanes.

As MDOT monitors the tropics, you can follow @MississippiDOT on Facebook and X, formerly Twitter, along with the hashtag #HurricanePrep to stay up to date.