Hurricane Isaac lashed southeast Louisiana with heavy rain and strong winds Wednesday morning, causing severe flooding in Plaquemines Parish and other low-lying areas along the Mississippi River. Parish officials say storm surge caused at least one levee to overflow and flood a neighborhood with around 12 feet of water. At least 25 people are stranded in their homes. Rescue efforts are currently underway.
In New Orleans, which is about 50 miles from Plaquemines Parish, a widespread power outage left about 75% of residents without electricity. Officials report minor flooding in the city. So far, no deaths have been reported.
Isaac is currently moving over Houma, Louisiana at 6 mph with maximum sustained winds of 75 mph. The storm is expected to weaken to a tropical storm as it continues moving through Louisiana today and tomorrow. Forecasters say Isaac should reach southern Arkansas by Friday morning. Up to 20 inches of rain expected in some areas.
Hurricane Isaac comes on the seventh anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. Katrina was responsible for nearly 2,000 deaths and $108 billion in damage.
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