National Hurricane Center; Isaac Breaches Levees New Orleans,16 Feet Storm Surge [PHOTOS]
The National Hurricane Center reports that Hurricane Isaac continues to slam at Louisiana, particularly in the south at New Orleans. As a result of a breached rural levee, storm surges that were expected to reach 12 feet are now predicted to rise to 16 feet high. Hurricane Isaac is crawling northwest at 6 mph. It's slow speed and heavy rains make Isaac a "powerful force," Clarion Ledger reports. The National Hurricane Center advises that residents of the Gulf Coast remain alert.
In the full impact of Hurricane Isaac, homes have been flooded as water managed getting over an 18 mile extend of levee, Caitlin Campbell, Plaquemines Parish spokesman said.
"Sheriff's deputies from St. Bernard and Plaquemines parishes were going house-to-house looking for residents who'd remained after an evacuation order," the Weather Channel reported.
Plaquemines official believe some residents may be trapped in their homes due to flooding. Other authorities also suspect that people may be shut in where the rural levees broke. However, heavy winds and other conditions are making rescue efforts very difficult.
Regions more inland, including Jackson, have yet to feel the full impact of Isaac. Hefty rainfall can be expected late Wednesday into Thursday.
