We've all heard about studies FEMA commissioned last year to test out and put together a comprehensive disaster response plan for New Orleans. Here are some key excerpts (just posted at the TPM Document Collection) from the contracts FEMA put out for those studies, which make clear that officials at FEMA had a very clear understanding of what would happen if a Katrina-like storm hit and that at least tens of thousands of people would not be able to evacuate in time.

Late Update: Also, see this new piece out from the AP's Ron Fournier. The Hurricane Pam simulation predicted 61,290 dead and the necessity for federal officials to intervened regardless of go-ahead from the locals.