Rita

Hurricane Rita

Category 5 major hurricane

was the most intense tropical cyclone on record

in the Gulf of Mexico

Part of the record-breaking 2005 Atlantic hurricane season,

which included three of the top ten most intense Atlantic hurricanes ever recorded

(along with #1 Wilma and #7 Katrina),

peak winds of 180 mph on September 21.

Landfall between Sabine Pass TX and Holly Beach LA

with winds of 115 mph.

Hurricane Rita near peak intensity on September 21 2005

worsening effects caused by Hurricane Katrina less than a month prior,

Electric service was disrupted in some areas for several weeks

Rainfall peaked at 16.00" in Central Louisiana.

Rita, damage totaled about $18.5 billion (2005 USD)

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