Katrina Update: Category 4 storm hits New Orleans

Better news for New Orleans as Katrina hit landfall this morning as a Category 4 versus Category 5 hurricane. National Hurricane Center Director Max Mayfield warned that New Orleans would be pounded throughout the day, but Katrina would most likely unleash a 15-foot storm surge, down from the feared 28 feet. Mayfield stated this surge would still cause extensive flooding. The wind continues to damage the Lousiana Superdome, tearing pieces of metal from the roof, exposing the 10,000 non-evacuees to daylight and rain. Louisiana Gov. Kathleen Blanco, however, does not consider the dome a "dangerous situation" in which to weather the storm.