Katrina became a major hurricane early yesterday as it strengthened over the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico, packing winds near 185kph and threatening New Orleans, Louisiana and offshore oil rigs.
Adding to the growing concern, National Hurricane Center (NHC) forecasters warned that the hurricane could reach the dangerous category four, the second-highest category, before making its second landfall.
Katrina was blamed for seven deaths after slammed ashore late on Thursday in south Florida, flooding entire neighborhoods, uprooting trees, sending a highway overpass crashing down and leaving over a million people without electricity.
A category one hurricane when it made landfall, Katrina reached category three early yesterday as it swirled over the Gulf of Mexico.
It was expected to veer north during the day, threatening the US Gulf coast from western Florida to western Louisiana, experts said.
The most likely track would take it within kilometers of the flood-prone city of New Orleans, large parts of which are located below sea level.
A total of 21 oil rigs and platforms off the New Orleans coast were evacuated in anticipation of the hurricane, fueling concerns over oil prices, which already soared to record highs on Thursday.
Louisiana Governor Kathleen Babineaux declared a state of emergency, citing "an imminent threat" of severe storms, high winds and torrential rain.
Thousands of utility company crews battled to repair power lines after the storm knocked out power in about 1.4 million homes.
Authorities warned that with downed lines lying in flooded streets, the danger was not over for residents of affected areas.
Most hurricane fatalities typically occur after the storm has passed, often as a result of floods or fallen power lines.
"We do not want people to let their guard down. That's when we have the greater number of deaths," said Craig Fugate, who heads Florida's emergency operations.
President George W. Bush was kept abreast of the hurricane's impact, according to his spokesman Trent Duffy, who said federal aid would be forthcoming.
"Federal resources are on-site and are ready to be deployed. These resources include water, food, ice and personnel, and expertise in search-and-rescue, should the state require them," Duffy said.
The storm also put a damper on the MTV Video Music Awards, causing the cancellation of glitzy concerts and parties planned ahead of the main event.
But organizers remained confident today's award ceremony in Miami would go ahead as planned, and their Web site showed fashion shots of celebrity hosts and nominees getting soaked.
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