Welcome to another powerful installment of the Katrina Chronicles, our continuing series marking the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. While most of the public focus after Katrina was on New Orleans due to the devastating levy breaks, this killer storm wrecked the coast of Mississippi in ways still being studied today. The citizens of Mississippi responded with heart, grit, and a steadfast belief that they would overcome the effects of the storm. Their resilience in the face of unimaginable loss, and the long, arduous path to recovery is a moving testament to courage and community strength.

Today, we’re privileged to speak with Pat Sullivan, Fire Chief of Harrison County, Mississippi. Back in 2005, when Katrina roared ashore, Chief Sullivan was leading the fire department in Gulfport—a city squarely in the storm’s path along the Mississippi coast.

In this episode, he takes us back to those harrowing days: the tense lead-up to landfall, the unprecedented challenges faced by first responders, and the deeply human moments that emerged amid the chaos. Through his firsthand accounts, Chief Sullivan paints a vivid picture of the courage, determination, and resilience that defined the response. His heartfelt reflections shine a light on the tireless efforts it took to safeguard lives and begin the long road to recovery—honoring the spirit of a community forever changed.

Hurricane Katrina

Hurricane Katrina (August 2005), a large and extremely powerful hurricane, caused enormous destruction and significant loss of life. It is the costliest hurricane to ever hit the United States, surpassing the record previously held by Hurricane Andrew from 1992. In addition, Katrina is one of the five deadliest hurricanes to ever strike the United States. In all, Hurricane Katrina was responsible for 1,833 fatalities and approximately $108 billion in damage (un-adjusted 2005 dollars).

Hurricane Katrina - August 2005

I was super fortunate to get a chance to speak with Mike Boylan, the creator of Mike’s Weather Page. Many a time have I and my co-workers used the information there to help fine tune response plans.

Found at spaghettimodels.com, Mike’s Weather Page offers a comprehensive collection of tools and data to track weather events. Mike’s Weather Hero journey is truly inspiring. What started as a side project in 2004 has grown into a trusted resource for weather enthusiasts, emergency responders, businesses, citizens, the military and many others.

Mike's dedication to providing accurate and accessible weather information earned him the prestigious Governor’s Hurricane Conference Tropical Meteorology Award in 2021. He is the first private citizen to have been awarded this honor making his achievement even more remarkable.

Mike’s Weather Page helps countless individuals and organizations prepare for and respond to natural disasters. As you’ll hear, Mike’s humility and passion shine through as he tells his story. We get a little weather geeky towards the end as we discuss various hurricane modeling efforts. Mike is well versed in this subject.

Join me, as we get to know Mike and hear his story. Let me know what aspect of Mike's story resonates with you the most?

Mike’s Weather Page

Weather Heroes

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In the first of our Katrina Chronicles series, we have the privilege of speaking with EG Warren, a veteran insurance agent boasting over fifty years of invaluable experience. EG reflects on his early days in the insurance industry on the Mississippi coast and candidly shares the personal and professional hurdles he encountered in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. His story is a powerful testament to the resilience and fortitude of a community ravaged by one of the most destructive storms in history.

Despite his humility, EG's narratives reveal the staggering challenges he faced. The interview kicks off with a brief history of EG's journey before diving into the chaotic aftermath of Katrina. EG’s office transformed into a vital hub for the exchange of information, offering essentials like water and clothes, and serving as a connection point for the entire community. EG is one of the many heroes that shined through during the dark days of Katrina’s aftermath. Tune in as EG chronicles the daily struggles he and the community endured.

Hurricane Katrina - August 2005 (National Hurricane Center)

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