Significant Events Reported by the NDBC Stations during Hurricane Katrina

The National Data Buoy Center (NDBC) Ocean Observing System consists of buoys and Coastal Marine Automated Network (C-MAN) stations making routine, continuous reports of meteorological and oceanographic conditions. The routine reporting of the system assumed a significant role in providing real-time, continuous, on-scene observation to the forecasters of the National Weather Service and the public, as Hurricane Katrina powered its way across southern Florida and through the Gulf of Mexico. This paper describes significant events, associated with Hurricane Katrina, reported by NDBC stations. Significant events include record-breaking winds and seas across the broad expanse of the Gulf of Mexico, the employment of new platforms and capabilities, and casualties to the system