[MD Expat in PA]

Katrina for a time was a cat 5 IIRC. And yes you are correct it did weaken considerably from what it was.

But more importantly it should be noted that most of the people who died in Katrina, especially those in NO, died because they, including state and city officials didn’t take the storm seriously.

[Carry me back]

Good point about those during Katrina not taking it serious.
Be prepared, it is the only way to go.