Gilbert's lowest pressure was 888mb, the current record for the Atlantic Basin. Next up is the 1935 Florida Keys hurricane at 892mb; Allen (1980) is the only other storm <900mb in the basin, reaching a minimum pressure of 899mb. At 902mb, Katrina is now the 4th strongest hurricane in recorded history in the Atlantic basin, having surpassed both Mitch and Camille at 905mb.

If Katrina were to make landfall at a pressure <909mb, it would be the second most intense hurricane to do so in recorded history. As it stands, Katrina will be the 4th category 5 hurricane to make landfall in the United States in recorded history, along with Camille, Andrew, and the aforementioned 1935 Fl. Keys hurricane.