She came, she went, she left destruction in her wake. Hurricane Katrina — whose fierce winds and plentiful rains have left New Orleans and other Gulf Coast areas partially submerged and reeling from the damage — is continuing its way up through the continental United States, yet will thankfully avoid the Washington area. That’s not to say we won’t feel Katrina’s impact in our own way, though. The Examiner today recognizes that District gas prices — already the second highest in the continental U.S. — may climb higher due to production shut-downs in the Gulf area. Coming into one of the busiest travel weekends of the year, this could well spell doom for penny-pinchers and SUV drivers alike. Our thoughts go out to those who suffered Katrina’s wrath, and we’ll keep to the blogosphere to track news developments and the clean-up effort.

Local Emergency Workers Aid Katrina Victims: Emergency workers from Alexandria and Fairfax counties have mobilized to provide help with damage in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, which pounded areas of the Gulf Coast yesterday, writes WJLA. The Urban Search and Rescue Teams from both counties are set to help survey damaged homes and businesses, many of which were affected by torrential rains, floods, and screaming winds. So far 80 people in Mississippi alone have been reported dead, though the numbers may well rise.

Eight-Car Train Makes First Appearance: For a few fleeting hours yesterday Metrorail passengers caught a glimpse of a long-awaited eight-car train as it made its way along the Red Line during the morning rush, notes WTOP. WMATA officials ran the train as part of a test to ensure that the elongated trains — at 600 feet, exactly as long as the stations — could be consistently and efficiently operated. The longer trains — meant to accommodate more passengers and thus alleviate endemic crowding in the aging transit system — are slated to go on-line next late next year.

Virginia Governor Will Not Seek Senate Seat: Virginia Governor Mark Warner, a Democrat, announced yesterday that he would not seek to challenge Sen. George Allen, a Republican, for a seat in the U.S. Senate next year, reports WJLA. As one of the few Democratic governors in red states, Warner, whose approval ratings currently stand at 74 percent, has been quietly mentioned as a potential presidential candidate in 2008.

Briefly Noted: Truck tips into C&O canal … Students use internet to do their laundry … Seven members of MS-13 ordered held without bond, as details about gang emerge … No more french fry lunches in Fairfax County schools … Forty-four new principals in District schools debuted yesterday.

The picture above was snapped by Justin DC.