Katrina batters roof of Superdome

Katrina bears down on Mississippi

NEW ORLEANS, Louisiana (CNN) -- The Louisiana Superdome, where about 10,000 people have taken refuge from Hurricane Katrina, reportedly began leaking Monday as winds damaged the roof, letting daylight and rainwater in the darkened arena.

"I can see daylight straight up from inside the Superdome," said Ed Reams of WDSU-TV in New Orleans, reporting from inside the Superdome.

"This is only going to get bigger," Reams said. "We have another two hours before the worst of the storm gets to us." (Watch Ed Reams' report from the Superdome)

But Louisiana Gov. Kathleen Blanco insisted the structure "is not in any dangerous situation," according to The Associated Press.

Katrina made landfall Monday between Grand Isle, south of New Orleans, and the mouth of the Mississippi River with 140-mph winds at about 7 a.m. ET. The worst of the storm hit the Crescent City less than three hours later.

Inside the home of the New Orleans Saints, the National Guard moved people to the other side of the dome, while others were relocated beneath concrete-reinforced seats on the terrace level.

Reams reported people were not panicked. "I would describe it as concern for their neighbors," he said. "They've been here all night. This is where they've got to be whether the roof comes off or not."

He said the problem started with a leak and grew larger until sounds of the roof banging could be heard.

Authorities cannot fix the problem in the middle of the storm, said Sen. Mary Landrieu, D-Louisiana, but the command center is on stand-by with resources.

"It's going to be very terrifying for a lot of people, but the command center is fully aware of what is going on," Landrieu said.

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