news: Hurricane Isaac: New Orleans Hunkers Down As Storm Makes Landfall In Louisiana (PHOTOS/ LIVE UPDATES)

NEW ORLEANS -- Hurricane Isaac raked the Louisiana coast and headed for a shuttered New Orleans late Tuesday, with brutal timing that made up for much of what it lacked in punch.

Just hours shy of the seventh anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, Isaac's approach left deserted streets from New Orleans' famous French Quarter to Tampa 480 miles away, where Republican conventioneers pressed on with only a passing mention of the storm's arrival.

A Category 1 hurricane with winds at 80 mph, Isaac came ashore at 6:45 p.m. CDT near the mouth of the Mississippi River in southeastern Louisiana, drenching a sparsely populated neck of land that stretches into the Gulf of Mexico. But the worst was still to come as it zeroed in on New Orleans, 75 miles to the northwest.

At midnight Tuesday, the hurricane had slowed to a forward speed of 7 mph. It was forecast to slow even further over the next day or two as it drifts over the southeastern coast of Louisiana before heading inland, according to an advisory from the U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami.

While much less powerful than Katrina in 2005, Isaac unleashed fierce winds and soaking rains that knocked out power to more than 100,000 homes and businesses.

The storm drew intense scrutiny because of its timing – just before the anniversary of the hurricane that devastated that city, while the first major speeches of the Republican National Convention went on in Tampa, Fla., already delayed and tempered by the storm.

While many residents stayed put, evacuations were ordered in low-lying areas of Louisiana and Mississippi, where officials closed 12 shorefront casinos.

One of the main concerns along the shoreline was storm surge, which occurs when hurricane winds raise sea levels off the coast, causing flooding on land.

A storm surge of 10.3 feet was reported at Shell Beach, Louisiana late Tuesday while a surge of 6.7 feet was reported in Waveland, Mississippi, the Hurricane Center said.

Ed Rappaport, the center's deputy director, said Isaac's core would pass west of New Orleans with winds close to 80 mph and head for Baton Rouge.

"On this course, the hurricane will gradually weaken," Rappaport said. He said gusts could reach about 100 mph at times, especially at higher levels, which could damage high-rise buildings in New Orleans.

As Isaac neared the city, there was little fear or panic. With New Orleans' airport closed, tourists retreated to hotels and most denizens of a coastline that has witnessed countless hurricanes decided to ride out the storm.

"Isaac is the son of Abraham," said Margaret Thomas, who was trapped for a week in her home in New Orleans' Broadmoor neighborhood by Katrina's floodwaters, yet chose to stay put this time. "It's a special name that means `God will protect us'."

Officials, chastened by memories and experience, advised caution.

"We don't expect a Katrina-like event, but remember there are things about a Category 1 storm that can kill you," New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu said, urging people to use common sense and to stay off any streets that may flood.

Tens of thousands of people were told to leave low-lying areas, including 700 patients of Louisiana nursing homes, but officials decided not to call for mass evacuations like those that preceded Katrina, which packed 135 mph winds in 2005.

Isaac also promised to test a New Orleans levee system bolstered after the catastrophic failures during Hurricane Katrina. But in a city that has already weathered Hurricane Gustav in 2008, calm prevailed.

"I feel safe," said Pamela Young, who settled in to her home in the Lower 9th Ward – a neighborhood devastated by Katrina – with dog Princess and her television. "Everybody's talking `going, going,' but the thing is, when you go, there's no telling what will happen. The storm isn't going to just hit here."

Young, who lives in a new, two-story home built to replace the one destroyed by Katrina, said she wasn't worried about the levees.

"If the wind isn't too rough, I can stay right here," she said, tapping on her wooden living room coffee table. "If the water comes up, I can go upstairs."

While far less powerful than Katrina, Isaac posed similar political challenges, a reminder of how the storm seven years ago became a symbol of government ignorance and ineptitude.

Political fallout was already simmering. Republican Gov. Bobby Jindal, who canceled his trip to the convention, said the Obama administration's disaster declaration fell short of the federal help he had requested, and asked for a promise to be reimbursed for storm preparation costs.

"We learned from past experiences, you can't just wait. You've got to push the federal bureaucracy," Jindal said.

FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate said such requests would be addressed after the storm.

Obama promised that Americans will help each other recover, "no matter what this storm brings."

"When disaster strikes, we're not Democrats or Republicans first, we are Americans first," Obama said at a campaign rally at Iowa State University. "We're one family. We help our neighbors in need."

In Tampa, the storm's landfall did not appear to affect prime-time coverage or the Republican National Convention speeches. One of the few mentions of the storm came in the opening remarks by Ann Romney, wife of the Republican nominee.

"Just so you all know, the hurricane has hit landfall and I think we should take this moment and recognize that fellow Americans are in its path and just hope and pray that all remain safe and no life is lost and no property is lost," she told the crowd.

Outside, though, the streets of downtown Tampa were eerily deserted, a result of nasty weather from Isaac's outer bands, tight securities that blocked off streets and a delay in convention events because of fears the storm might target that side of the Gulf.

While politicians from both parties were careful to show their concern for those in the storm's path, Gulf residents and visitors tried to make the best of the situation on the ground.

In New Orleans' French Quarter, Hyatt hotel employee Nazareth Joseph braced for a busy week and fat overtime paychecks. Joseph said he was trapped in the city for several days after Katrina and helped neighbors escape the floodwaters.

"We made it through Katrina; we can definitely make it through this. It's going to take a lot more to run me. I know how to survive," he said.

Maureen McDonald of Long Beach, Ind., strolled the French Quarter on her 80th birthday wearing a poncho, accompanied by family who traveled from three different cities to meet her in New Orleans to celebrate.

"The storm hasn't slowed us down. We're having the best time," she said.

But farther east along the Gulf, veterans of past hurricanes made sure to take precautions.

At a highway rest stop along Alabama's I-10, Bonnie Schertler, 54, of Waveland, Miss., said she left her coastal home for her father's place in Alabama "because of the `coulds.'"

"I just feel like the storm may stay for a few days and that wind might just pound and pound and pound and pound," said Schertler, whose former home in Waveland was destroyed by Hurricane Katrina. A slow storm is more dangerous, she said, "'cause it can knock down just virtually everything if it just hovers forever."

Local officials, who imposed curfews in Mississippi's Harrison, Hancock and Jackson counties. And in Theodore, Ala., 148 people took refuge in a shelter at the town's high school by midday Tuesday, with minds focused as much on the past as on the present storm.

Charlotte McCrary, 41, at the shelter with husband, Bryan, and their two sons, 3-year-old Tristan and 1-year-old Gabriel, recalled the year she spent living in a FEMA trailer after Katrina destroyed her home.

Seven years later, the storm reminds her that she still hasn't gotten back to same place.

"I think what it is," Bryan McCrary said, "is it brings back a lot of bad memories."

___

This story was reported by Associated Press writers Cain Burdeau in New Orleans, Kevin McGill in Houma, La., Holbrook Mohr in Waveland and Pass Christian, Miss., Jeff Amy in Biloxi and Gulfport, Miss., Jay Reeves in Gulf Shores, Ala., Jessica Gresko in Coden, Ala., Julie Pace in Ames, Iowa and Curt Anderson at the National Hurricane Center in Miami.

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Timbers smolder after a fire gutted a house on stilts in a Bay St. Louis, Miss., neighborhood after rising storm waters from Isaac prevented firemen from responding quickly with their trucks Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2012. First responders used an airboat to reach the house in order to make sure the flames did not affect any neighboring homes. (AP Photo/Holbrook Mohr)
Waves tear apart a pier along the Mobile Bay near Dauphin Island on Tuesday, August 28, 2012. Alabama took a glancing blow from Hurricane Isaac on Tuesday as it headed toward landfall in the northwestern Gulf of Mexico, but the storm still threatened the coast with high winds, torrential rain and pounding surf. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Bay St. Louis, Miss., first responders brave a driving rain storm as they use an airboat to reach a house fire in a flooded subdivision, Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2012. After several attempts to reach the house fire, flooded streets forced the fire fighters to use the airboat. (AP Photo/Holbrook Mohr)
A woman stands on a partially submerged picnic bench in the storm surge from Isaac, on Lakeshore Drive along Lake Pontchartrain, as the storm approaches landfall, in New Orleans, Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2012. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Waves tear apart a pier along Mobile Bay near Dauphin Island on Tuesday, August 28, 2012 in Coden, Ala. Alabama took a glancing blow from Hurricane Isaac on Tuesday as it headed toward landfall in the northwestern Gulf of Mexico, but the storm still threatened the coast with high winds, torrential rain and pounding surf. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
First responders seek the assistance of a City of Bay St. Louis, Miss., dump truck to tow their airboat back to their launch site after running aground Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2012. Isaac's rainfall flooded a number of streets in this Bay St. Louis, Miss., neighborhood preventing firemen from using their fire trucks. First responders used an airboat to reach a burning house in order to make sure the flames did not affect any neighboring homes. (AP Photo/Holbrook Mohr)
Alex, left, and Adam ,three-month-old Chihuahua puppies, play in their new kennel at the Houston SPCA on Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2012, in Houston. These two were among 70 cats and dogs that were evacuated from St. Bernard Parish Animal Control in anticipation of Hurricane Isaac. (AP Photo/Houston Chronicle, J. Patric Schneider)
Debris from crashing waves lies strewn over the parkway going to Dauphin Island forcing a closure to the island on Tuesday, August 28, 2012 in Coden, Ala. Alabama took a glancing blow from Hurricane Isaac on Tuesday as it headed toward landfall in the northwestern Gulf of Mexico, but the storm still threatened the coast with high winds, torrential rain and pounding surf. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Debris lies strewn over the parkway going to Dauphin Island forcing a closure to the island on Tuesday, August 28, 2012 in Coden, Ala. Alabama took a glancing blow from Hurricane Isaac on Tuesday as it headed toward landfall in the northwestern Gulf of Mexico, but the storm still threatened the coast with high winds, torrential rain and pounding surf. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Dillard University students stay at the shelter in the gym of Centenary Colleges as they evacuated from New Orleans because of hurricane Isaac Tuesday afternoon, Aug. 28, 2012 in Shreveport, La. (AP Photo/The Times, Henrietta Wildsmith)
The Waterfront Seafood company is flooded as water covers Shell Belt Road in Bayou La Batre, Ala. on Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2012. The U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami said Isaac became a Category 1 hurricane Tuesday with winds of 75 mph. It could get stronger by the time it's expected to reach the swampy coast of southeast Louisiana. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Teresa Ragas, left, and her husband Bertrand Ragas, of Port Sulphur, La., lie side-by-side in cots at an evacuation shelter in Belle Chasse, La., due to the impending landfall of Isaac, which is expected reach the region as a hurricane this evening, Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2012. The U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami said Isaac became a Category 1 hurricane Tuesday with winds of 75 mph. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
A concerned neighbor checks on a car as a storm surge from Isaac pushes into Panama City, Fla. on Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2012. (AP Photo/The News Herald/Panama City, Fla., Andrew Wardlow) MANDATORY CREDIT
Senior hurricane specialist Stacy Stewart updates Isaac to a category one hurricane at the National Hurricane Center in Miami, Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2012. Forecasters at the National Hurricane Center warned that Isaac, especially if it strikes at high tide, could cause storm surges of up to 12 feet (3.6 meters) along the coasts of southeast Louisiana and Mississippi and up to 6 feet (1.8 meters) as far away as the Florida Panhandle. (AP Photo/Alan Diaz)
Michelle Hice, Tommy Leonard

Animal control officer Michelle Hice puts a temporary identification collar on "Snuggles,' as evacuee Tommy Leonard hands him over for safe keeping, at an evacuation shelter in Belle Chasse, La., due to the impending landfall of Isaac, which is expected reach the region as a hurricane this evening, Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2012. The U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami said Isaac became a Category 1 hurricane Tuesday with winds of 75 mph. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Andrew Theriot

Andrew Theriot flies a kite down Bourbon Street in the French Quarter as rain from Hurricane Isaac falls Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2012, in New Orleans. The U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami said Isaac became a Category 1 hurricane Tuesday with winds of 75 mph. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Parnell Latham, who refused to obey a mandatory evacuation order in order to protect his storage pods, stands on his property in Plaquemines Parish, La., in anticipation of Isaac, which is expected to make landfall in the region as a hurricane this evening, Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2012. The U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami said Isaac became a Category 1 hurricane Tuesday with winds of 75 mph. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
APTOPIX Jaylon Ragus, Donald Taylor, Jr.

Donald Taylor, Jr., of Phoenix, La., watches his nephew Jaylon Ragus, 5, of Davant, La., play with a gaming device in an evacuation shelter in Belle Chasse, La., due to the impending landfall of Isaac, which is expected reach the region as a hurricane this evening, Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2012. The U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami said Isaac became a Category 1 hurricane Tuesday with winds of 75 mph. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Annie Riley picks up her lunch while seeking shelter at the Theodore High School on Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2012 in Theodore, Ala. The U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami said Isaac became a Category 1 hurricane Tuesday with winds of 75 mph. It could get stronger by the time it's expected to reach the swampy coast of southeast Louisiana. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Toni Barnard holds a baby squirrel she rescued as she sought shelter at the Theodore High School on Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2012 in Theodore, Ala. The U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami said Isaac became a Category 1 hurricane Tuesday with winds of 75 mph. It could get stronger by the time it's expected to reach the swampy coast of southeast Louisiana. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Hurricane Isaac

Waves crash Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2012, in Dauphin Island, Ala., as Isaac approaches the Gulf Coast. Isaac became a hurricane that could flood the coasts of four states with storm surge and heavy rains on its way to New Orleans, where residents hunkered down behind levees fortified after Katrina struck seven years ago this week. (AP Photo/Press-Register, Mike Kittrell) MAGS OUT
The first real impacts of Isaac reach the beaches of Gulf Shores, Ala. at high tide as all access to the beach is closed on Tuesday, August 28, 2012. The National Hurricane Center predicted Isaac would grow to a Category 1 hurricane over the warm Gulf and possibly hit late Tuesday somewhere along a roughly 300-mile (500-kilometer) stretch from the bayous southwest of New Orleans to the Florida Panhandle. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Krystal Ledet, back left, looks after her son, Brandon Malbrough as her daughter Alexus Malbrough, left, colors with her grandmother, Melissa Rodrigue, right, after evacuating to a shelter in Houma, La., Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2012. Forecasters at the National Hurricane Center warned that Isaac, especially if it strikes at high tide, could cause storm surges of up to 12 feet (3.6 meters) along the coasts of southeast Louisiana and Mississippi and up to 6 feet (1.8 meters) as far away as the Florida Panhandle. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Centenary College Public Safety Officer Alvin Bush walks around the gym floor in the fitness center on campus between beds for students from Dillard University who are coming to the campus because of Tropical Storm Isaac heading towards New Orleans. Students are expected to arrive in Shreveport, La., Monday, Aug. 27, 2012. (AP Photo/The Shreveport Times, Jim Hudelson) NO SALES, MAGS OUT
Jaden Fabian

Jaden Fabian, 1, cries as she is loaded into a car seat as her family evacuates their home in advance of Tropical Storm Isaac, which is expected to make landfall in the region as a hurricane this evening in Plaquemines Parish, La., Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2012. Forecasters at the National Hurricane Center warned that Isaac, especially if it strikes at high tide, could cause storm surges of up to 12 feet (3.6 meters) along the coasts of southeast Louisiana and Mississippi and up to 6 feet (1.8 meters) as far away as the Florida Panhandle. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Estanislao Fabian

Estanislao Fabian loads food into their car as they evacuate their home in advance of Tropical Storm Isaac, which is expected to make landfall in the region as a hurricane this evening in Plaquemines Parish, La., Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2012. Forecasters at the National Hurricane Center warned that Isaac, especially if it strikes at high tide, could cause storm surges of up to 12 feet (3.6 meters) along the coasts of southeast Louisiana and Mississippi and up to 6 feet (1.8 meters) as far away as the Florida Panhandle. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
A woman stands among her belongings outside her damaged home after the passing of Tropical Storm Isaac in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Sunday Aug. 26, 2012. The death toll in Haiti from Tropical Storm Isaac has climbed to seven after an initial report of four deaths, the Haitian government said Sunday. (AP Photo/Dieu Nalio Chery)
Rick Knabb, Stacy Stewart, James Franklin

Dr. Rick Knabb, center, director of the National Hurricane Center, Stacy Stewart, right, senior hurricane specialist, and James Franklin, chief hurricane specialist, track Tropical Storm Issac at the National Hurricane Center in Miami, Monday, Aug. 2, 2012. Tropical Storm Isaac targeted a broad swath of the Gulf Coast on Monday and had New Orleans in its crosshairs, bearing down just ahead of the seventh anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. (AP Photo/Alan Diaz)
A woman jogs along Bayshore Boulevanrd in between squalls blowing across the bay in Tampa, Fla., Monday, Aug. 27, 2012. The Republican National Convention has delayed it's start because of the approaching tropical storm Isaac which is churning it's way across the Gulf of Mexico. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
A Coast Guard patrol boat cruises past the Tampa Bay Times Forum in Tampa, Fla., Monday, Aug. 27, 2012. The start of the Republican National Convention, being held at the facility, has been delayed because of the approaching tropical storm Isaac. (AP Photo/Dave Martin)
Willie Shook

Willie Shook, 65, a survivor of Hurricane Katrina, takes a break from assisting her neighbor's packing up her belongings in preparation of leaving their beach front homes in Long Beach, Miss., prior to Tropical Storm Isaac making landfall, Monday, Aug. 27, 2012. Shook and her neighbors were completely wiped out by Hurricane Katrina seven years ago, but said regardless of the effects of this latest storm, she will come back to her home and rebuild if necessary. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
Daniel Shedd, left, and George Lopez board up a local Bruster's in Gulf Shores, Ala. on Monday, Aug. 27, 2012. The National Hurricane Center predicted Isaac would grow to a Category 1 hurricane over the warm Gulf and possibly hit late Tuesday somewhere along a roughly 300-mile (500-kilometer) stretch from the bayous southwest of New Orleans to the Florida Panhandle. The size of the warning area and the storm's wide bands of rain and wind prompted emergency declarations in four states, and hurricane-tested residents were boarding up homes, stocking up on food and water or getting ready to evacuate. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Isaac Soaks Florida Keys, Leaves Little Damage Behind

KEY WEST, FL - AUGUST 27: A Monroe County worker collects downed Sea Grape trees after Tropical Storm Isaac moved through the Florida Keys on August 27, 2012 in Key West, Florida. Isaac, still rated as a tropical storm, is expected to strengthen into at least a Category 1 hurricane before making landfall somewhere over an approximately 300 mile portion of the Gulf Coast, which includes New Orleans, on August 29, the seven-year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. (Photo by Marc Serota/Getty Images)
People ride motorbikes in a flooded street in Havana on August 26, 2012, following the passage of tropical storm Isaac. With winds reaching 50 miles (85 kilometers) per hour, the storm brought heavy rain and choppy seas to the Florida Keys after battering Haiti and sweeping across Cuba late Saturday, the US National Hurricane Center said. (ADALBERTO ROQUE/AFP/GettyImages)
HAITI-WEATHER-STORM

Haitians living in a tent camp walk in the rain August 25, 2012 as Tropical Storm Isaac barrels through Port-Au-Prince. Forecasters earlier said Isaac was near hurricane strength when the eye of the storm passed over Haiti, where hundreds of thousands of people are still living in squalid, makeshift camps following a catastrophic 2010 earthquake. An eight-year-old Haitian girl died when a wall collapsed at her home and a 51-year-old woman died when her roof collapsed, according to officials, who later said two other people had died in the storm. Haiti was the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere even before the earthquake killed 250,000 people, and 400,000 citizens are still living in tent camps in and around the devastated capital Port-au-Prince. More than 3,300 families had been evacuated to temporary shelters ahead of Isaac as aid groups provided clean water and hygiene kits to try to limit the risk of contaminated water and the spread of disease. AFP PHOTO/Thony BELIZAIRE (Photo credit should read THONY BELIZAIRE/AFP/GettyImages)
Contractors work to remove the first of three barge haul units at the Pinto Terminal on Monday morning, Aug. 27, 2012, in Mobile, Ala., as the Alabama State Port Authority prepares for Tropical Storm Isaac. These one-of-kind units guide barges via remote control by the crane operator during ship unloading operations and are valued at $2.5 million each. (AP Photo/Press-Register, Mike Kittrell) MAGS OUT
Waves batter Havana's seafront on August 26, 2012, following the passage of tropical storm Isaac. With winds reaching 50 miles (85 kilometers) per hour, the storm brought heavy rain and choppy seas to the Florida Keys after battering Haiti and sweeping across Cuba late Saturday, the US National Hurricane Center said. (ADALBERTO ROQUE/AFP/GettyImages)
A horse is loaded into a trailer by workers at the Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots, after a mandatory evacuation of the animals was issued by the track, in preparation for Tropical Storm Isaac, which is expected to become a hurricane as it moves into the Gulf of Mexico, in New Orleans, Sunday, Aug. 26, 2012. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Heavy storm clouds hover over the skyline of downtown Miami as Tropical Storm Isaac's weather bands reach the Miami area aon Sunday, Aug. 26, 2012. Isaac gained fresh muscle Sunday as it bore down on the Florida Keys, with forecasters warning it could grow into a dangerous Category 2 hurricane as it nears the northern Gulf Coast. (AP Photo/The Miami Herald, Carl Juste)
Folko Weltzien, 38, kite surfs as high winds from Hurricane Isaac gusts on Sunday, Aug. 26, 2012, in Miami. Isaac gained fresh muscle Sunday as it bore down on the Florida Keys, with forecasters warning it could grow into a dangerous Category 2 hurricane as it nears the northern Gulf Coast. (AP Photo/The Miami Herald, Carl Juste)
A person walks by a sign warning about Hurricane Isaac, in Key West, Fla., Sunday, Aug. 26, 2012. Isaac gained fresh muscle Sunday as it bore down on the Florida Keys, with forecasters warning it could grow into a dangerous Category 2 hurricane as it nears the northern Gulf Coast. (AP Photo/Alan Diaz)
A message warns drivers of severe weather on Sunday, Aug. 26, 2012, in Miami. Isaac gained fresh muscle Sunday as it bore down on the Florida Keys, with forecasters warning it could grow into a dangerous Category 2 hurricane as it nears the northern Gulf Coast. (AP Photo/The Miami Herald, Hector Gabino)
Workers put up shutters at a local cafe in Key West, Fla., Sunday, Aug. 26, 2012, as the prepare for Tropical Storm Isaac. Isaac gained fresh muscle Sunday as it bore down on the Florida Keys, with forecasters warning it could grow into a dangerous Category 2 hurricane as it nears the northern Gulf Coast. (AP Photo/Alan Diaz)
A cyclist rides his bike in Key West, Fla., Sunday, Aug. 26, 2012. Tropical Storm Isaac gained fresh muscle Sunday as it bore down on the Florida Keys, with forecasters warning it could grow into a dangerous Category 2 hurricane as it nears the northern Gulf Coast. (AP Photo/Alan Diaz)
Craig Jones, left, and Kimberly Branson secure their boat in Key West, Fla., Sunday, Aug. 26, 2012 in preparation for Tropical Storm Isaac. Tropical Storm Isaac gained fresh muscle Sunday as it bore down on the Florida Keys, with forecasters warning it could grow into a dangerous Category 2 hurricane as it nears the northern Gulf Coast. (AP Photo/Alan Diaz)
Shira Edllan Gervasi, of Israel, puts her name on plywood protecting a storefront in Key West, Fla., in anticipation of Tropical Storm Isaac on Saturday, Aug. 25, 2012. Isaac's winds are expected to be felt in the Florida Keys by sunrise Sunday morning. (AP Photo/Alan Diaz)
Oren Eshel boards a storefront on Duval Street in Key West, Fla., Saturday, Aug. 25, 2012 in preparation for Tropical Storm Isaac, Saturday, Aug. 25, 2012. Isaac's winds are expected to be felt in the Florida Keys by sunrise Sunday morning. (AP Photo/Alan Diaz)
A person braves the rain at Clarence Higgs Beach in Key West, Fla., as Tropical Storm Isaac hits the area on Sunday, Aug. 26, 2012. Isaac gained fresh muscle Sunday as it bore down on the Florida Keys, with forecasters warning it could grow into a dangerous Category 2 hurricane as it nears the northern Gulf Coast. (AP Photo/The Miami Herald, Walter Michot)
People react as they survey the damage in Jacmel, Haiti, a day after Tropical Storm Isaac brought rains and winds across the nation, Sunday, Aug. 26, 2012. At least seven people were killed by flooding in Haiti, including in tent cities filled with earthquake victims, and two others in the Dominican Republic. (AP Photo/The Miami Herald, Patrick Farrell)
A van passes along a road that gave way on the way to Jacmel, Haiti, a day after Tropical Storm Isaac brought rains and winds across the nation, Sunday, Aug. 26, 2012. At least seven people were killed by flooding in Haiti, including in tent cities filled with earthquake victims, and two others in the Dominican Republic. (AP Photo/The Miami Herald, Patrick Farrell)
A man walks on the beach in Key West, Fla., Sunday, Aug. 26, 2012 as heavy winds hit the northern coast from Tropical Storm Isaac. Isaac is expected to continue streaming across Marion County Monday as it continues toward the northern Gulf of Mexico. National Weather Service officials in Jacksonville on Sunday said Marion County began getting rain bands from Isaac around 2 p.m. and that the rain would continue through Tuesday. (AP Photo/Alan Diaz)
In this photo provided by Florida Power & Light Company, line specialist Dustin Pezet works to restore power as Tropical Storm Isaac strikes in Miami on Sunday, Aug. 26, 2012. Isaac gained fresh muscle Sunday as it bore down on the Florida Keys, with forecasters warning it could grow into a dangerous Category 2 hurricane as it nears the northern Gulf Coast. (AP Photo/Florida Power & Light Company, David Adame)
Lifeguard Duane Gonzalez takes down the red warning flag on a beach in Tampa, Fla., Sunday, Aug. 26, 2012. Some rain and winds from Tropical Storm Isaac are beginning to reach Tampa where the Republican National Convention has postponed the start of their meeting because of the approaching storm. (AP Photo/Dave Martin)
Residents skin a goat killed during the passing of Tropical Storm Isaac in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Sunday Aug. 26, 2012. The death toll in Haiti from Tropical Storm Isaac has climbed to seven after an initial report of four deaths, the Haitian government said Sunday. (AP Photo/Dieu Nalio Chery)
A girl recovers a toy from muddy waters at her flooded house after the passing of Tropical Storm Isaac in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Sunday Aug. 26, 2012. The death toll in Haiti from Tropical Storm Isaac has climbed to seven after an initial report of four deaths, the Haitian government said Sunday. (AP Photo/Dieu Nalio Chery)
Workers move horses into trailers at the Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots, after a mandatory evacuation of the animals was issued by the track, in preparation for Tropical Storm Isaac, which is expected to become a hurricane as it moves into the Gulf of Mexico, in New Orleans, Sunday, Aug. 26, 2012. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
An elderly gentleman clears a tree from the road in Jacmel, Haiti, a day after Tropical Storm Isaac brought rains and winds across the nation, Sunday, Aug. 26, 2012. At least seven people were killed by flooding in Haiti, including in tent cities filled with earthquake victims, and two others in the Dominican Republic. (AP Photo/The Miami Herald, Patrick Farrell)
Richard McKean

Richard McKean buys gas for a generator as residents and property owners prepare for Tropical Storm Isaac on Sunday, Aug. 26, 2012, in Dauphin Island, Ala. (AP Photo/Press-Register, Mike Kittrell) MAGS OUT
A bus drives past Havana's malecon (seafront) on August 26, 2012, following the passage of tropical storm Isaac. With winds reaching 50 miles (85 kilometers) per hour, the storm brought heavy rain and choppy seas to the Florida Keys after battering Haiti and sweeping across Cuba late Saturday, the US National Hurricane Center said. (ADALBERTO ROQUE/AFP/GettyImages)
A local resident carries a sandbag in anticipation of floods possibly generated by the weather system Isaac in Tampa, Florida on August 24, 2012. According to the National Weather Service, Isaac's projected path would most likely take it just to the west of Tampa as a Category 1 hurricane at the same time when the 2012 Republican National Convention will be held at the Tampa Bay Times Forum from August 27-30, 2012. (MLADEN ANTONOV/AFP/GettyImages)
A local resident loads sandbags in his pick-up car in anticipation of floods possibly generated by the weather system Isaac in Tampa, Florida on August 24, 2012. According to the National Weather Service, Isaac's projected path would most likely take it just to the west of Tampa as a Category 1 hurricane at the same time when the 2012 Republican National Convention will be held at the Tampa Bay Times Forum from August 27-30, 2012. (MLADEN ANTONOV/AFP/GettyImages)
A resident walks along the pier at Ballast Park in Tampa, Fla., Monday, Aug. 27, 2012. The Republican National Convention has delayed it's start because of the approaching tropical storm Isaac which is churning it's way across the Gulf of Mexico. (AP Photo/Dave Martin)
Phil Bryant, Rupert Lacy

Harrison County Emergency Management Agency Director Rupert Lacy, left, listens as Gov. Phil Bryant discusses Gulf Coast preparations for Tropical Storm Isaac during a news conference at the Harrison County Emergency Operations Center in Gulfport, Miss., Monday, Aug. 27, 2012. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
In this photo taken Monday, July 2, 2012, early morning sunlight illuminates fuel storage tanks at a North Little Rock, Ark., petroleum distributorship. The price of oil fell Monday, Aug. 27, 2012, as the threat to production from Tropical Storm Isaac appeared to lessen and traders speculated about a release of oil from U.S. reserves. (AP Photo/Danny Johnston)
Isaac Soaks Florida Keys, Leaves Little Damage Behind

KEY WEST, FL - AUGUST 27: A Monroe County Utility worker repairs power lines after Tropical Storm Isaac moved through the Florida Keys on August 27, 2012 in Key West, Florida. Isaac, still rated as a tropical storm, is expected to strengthen into at least a Category 1 hurricane before making landfall somewhere over an approximately 300 mile portion of the Gulf Coast, which includes New Orleans, on August 29, the seven-year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. (Photo by Marc Serota/Getty Images)
Isaac Soaks Florida Keys, Leaves Little Damage Behind

KEY WEST, FL - AUGUST 27: A Monroe County Utility worker repairs power lines after Tropical Storm Isaac moved through the Florida Keys on August 27, 2012 in Key West, Florida. Isaac, still rated as a tropical storm, is expected to strengthen into at least a Category 1 hurricane before making landfall somewhere over an approximately 300 mile portion of the Gulf Coast, which includes New Orleans, on August 29, the seven-year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. (Photo by Marc Serota/Getty Images)
US-VOTE-2012-REPUBLICAN CONVENTION

A local resident loads his car with bottled water outside a Walmart store in anticipation of water shortage caused by the oncoming Tropical Storm in Tampa, Florida on August 26, 2012. A strengthening Tropical Storm Isaac barreled toward Florida and was predicted to become a hurricane on Sunday, forcing a one-day delay to the main events of the Republican convention. A hurricane warning was in effect for the Florida Keys and parts of the state's southwest coast and the Republican Party announced that severe weather warnings had postponed the start of its four-day gathering in Tampa. The proceedings will now start on Tuesday afternoon instead of Monday. Early Sunday, the storm was around 205 miles (330 kilometers) east-southeast of Key West, Florida and it was moving northwest at 18 miles (30 kilometers) per hour, with forecasts suggesting it would strengthen even over the next 48 hours, the NHC said. 'Isaac is expected to be at or near hurricane strength when it reaches the Florida Keys,' the center warned. AFP PHOTO/MLADEN ANTONOV (Photo credit should read MLADEN ANTONOV/AFP/GettyImages)
Brenda Johns, Willie Shooks

Willie Shooks, right, and Brenda Johns, next door neighbors and survivors of Hurricane Katrina seven years ago, say while they trust the Lord will protect them, they are taking no chances, securing their homes and moving off the beach front lots in Long Beach, Miss., before Tropical Storm Isaac becomes a hurricane, Monday, Aug. 27, 2012. When Hurricane Katrina hit, the two neighbors lost everything, returning to foundations and debris where houses once stood. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
Daniel Sobel, of New City, N.Y., left, and his sister Joanna Sobel, right, lift his 8-year-old daughter Rachel over a wave as it comes crashing ashore in Point Pleasant Beach, N.J., Monday, Aug. 27, 2012. The effects of Tropical Storm Isaac, more than 1,100 miles away, have been roiling the surf at the Jersey Shore, restricting swimming and keeping lifeguards on their toes. (AP Photo/Wayne Parry)
Shrimp boats are tied up Monday, Aug. 27, 2012 in Bayou La Batre, Ala. as residents prepare for the arrival of Tropical Storm Isaac along the Gulf Coast . (AP Photo/Press-Register, G.M. Andrews) MAGS OUT
Rick McLendon looks out from the front of his boarded-up business, Bayou Produce, while he awaits customers Monday, Aug. 27, 2012 in Bayou La Batre, Ala. as residents prepare for the arrival of Tropical Storm Isaac along the Gulf Coast. (AP Photo/Press-Register, G.M. Andrews) MAGS OUT
Mike Palmer

Mike Palmer surfs in waves ahead of Tropical Storm Isaac in Perdido Key, Fla., Monday, Aug. 27, 2012. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Rick Knabb

Dr. Rick Knabb, director of the National Hurricane Center, gives an update on Tropical Storm Isaac at the National Hurricane Center in Miami, Monday, Aug. 27, 2012. Tropical Storm Isaac targeted a broad swath of the Gulf Coast on Monday and had New Orleans in its crosshairs, bearing down just ahead of the seventh anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. (AP Photo/Alan Diaz)
Some residence are boarding up their homes while others have chosen not to take Isaac seriously in Gulf Shores, Ala. on Monday, Aug. 27, 2012. The National Hurricane Center predicted Isaac would grow to a Category 1 hurricane over the warm Gulf and possibly hit late Tuesday somewhere along a roughly 300-mile (500-kilometer) stretch from the bayous southwest of New Orleans to the Florida Panhandle. The size of the warning area and the storm's wide bands of rain and wind prompted emergency declarations in four states, and hurricane-tested residents were boarding up homes, stocking up on food and water or getting ready to evacuate. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Hurricane specialist John Cangialosi tracks the center of Tropical Storm Isaac at the National Hurricane Center in Miami, Monday, Aug. 27, 2012. Tropical Storm Isaac targeted a broad swath of the Gulf Coast on Monday and had New Orleans in its crosshairs, bearing down just ahead of the seventh anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. (AP Photo/Alan Diaz)
Larry Fabacher carries bags of ice to his home as he prepares for Tropical Storm Isaac Monday, Aug. 27, 2012, in New Orleans. Isaac is churning it's way across the Gulf of Mexico. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Gus Williams, Somaya Washington, Areonisha Washington

Gus Williams, left, feeds his step-granddaughter Somaya Washington, right, as her mother, Areonisha Washington, center, watches after evacuating to a shelter in Houma, La., Tuesday, May 28, 2012. Forecasters at the National Hurricane Center warned that Isaac, especially if it strikes at high tide, could cause storm surges of up to 12 feet (3.6 meters) along the coasts of southeast Louisiana and Mississippi and up to 6 feet (1.8 meters) as far away as the Florida Panhandle. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Meteorologist Monica Bozeman tracks Tropical Storm Isaac at the National Hurricane Center in Miami, Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2012. Forecasters at the National Hurricane Center warned that Isaac, especially if it strikes at high tide, could cause storm surges of up to 12 feet (3.6 meters) along the coasts of southeast Louisiana and Mississippi and up to 6 feet (1.8 meters) as far away as the Florida Panhandle. (AP Photo/Alan Diaz)
Workers fill Hesco baskets at a flood wall at Route 23, in advance of Tropical Storm Isaac in Plaquemines Parish, La., Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2012. Forecasters at the National Hurricane Center warned that Isaac, especially if it strikes at high tide, could cause storm surges of up to 12 feet (3.6 meters) along the coasts of southeast Louisiana and Mississippi and up to 6 feet (1.8 meters) as far away as the Florida Panhandle. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
A sailboat is grounded on the beach in Pass Christian, Miss., on Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2012. Forecasters at the National Hurricane Center warned that Isaac, especially if it strikes at high tide, could cause storm surges of up to 12 feet (3.6 meters) along the coasts of southeast Louisiana and Mississippi and up to 6 feet (1.8 meters) as far away as the Florida Panhandle. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
Estanislao Fabian, Jordan Fabian, Jaylah Cole, Jaden Fabian

Estanislao Fabian loads the their car as Jordan Fabian, 6, and Jaylah Cole, 6, comfort Jaden Fabian, 1, as they evacuate their home in advance of Tropical Storm Isaac, which is expected to make landfall in the region as a hurricane this evening in Plaquemines Parish, La., Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2012. Forecasters at the National Hurricane Center warned that Isaac, especially if it strikes at high tide, could cause storm surges of up to 12 feet (3.6 meters) along the coasts of southeast Louisiana and Mississippi and up to 6 feet (1.8 meters) as far away as the Florida Panhandle. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
A sailboat is grounded on the beach in Pass Christian, Miss., on Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2012. Forecasters at the National Hurricane Center warned that Isaac, especially if it strikes at high tide, could cause storm surges of up to 12 feet (3.6 meters) along the coasts of southeast Louisiana and Mississippi and up to 6 feet (1.8 meters) as far away as the Florida Panhandle. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
Sea gulls fly over rising tides and brisk winds due to Tropical Storm Isaac along the water in west Gulfport, Miss., Tuesday morning, Aug. 28, 2012. Mississippi utility companies have extra crews on hand for possible widespread outages from Isaac. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
Stacey Davis

Stacey Davis, left, and his board up windows on their home before Tropical Storm Isaac hits Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2012, in New Orleans. Tropical Storm Isaac is churning it's way across the Gulf of Mexico towards New Orleans. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
John Richardson and his nephew Myles Erickson get in some fishing time while the rest of the family prepares for Isaac in Bayou La Batre, Ala. on Monday, Aug. 27, 2012. The National Hurricane Center predicted Isaac would grow to a Category 1 hurricane over the warm Gulf and possibly hit late Tuesday somewhere along a roughly 300-mile (500-kilometer) stretch from the bayous southwest of New Orleans to the Florida Panhandle. The size of the warning area and the storm's wide bands of rain and wind prompted emergency declarations in four states, and hurricane-tested residents were boarding up homes, stocking up on food and water or getting ready to evacuate. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Tropical Storm Isaac

Surfers head out to catch waves whipped up by Tropical Storm Isaac at Haulover Beach Park in Miami Beach, Fla., Monday, Aug. 27, 2012. Forecasters predicted Isaac would intensify into a Category 1 hurricane later Monday or Tuesday with top sustained winds of between 74 and 95 mph. The center of its projected path took Isaac directly toward New Orleans on Wednesday, but hurricane warnings extended across some 330 miles from Morgan City, La., to Destin, Fla. It could become the first hurricane to hit the Gulf Coast since 2008. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)
Rick Knabb, James Franklin, Ed Rappaport

Dr. Rick Knabb, director of the National Hurricane Center, standing center, James Franklin, chief hurricane specialist, at the National Hurricane Center, standing foreground left, and Ed Rappaport, and deputy director, National Hurricane Center, keep track of Isaac in Miami, Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2012. Isaac became a Category 1 hurricane Tuesday with winds of 75 mph. It could get stronger by the time it's expected to reach the swampy coast of southeast Louisiana. (AP Photo/Alan Diaz)
Pedestrians make their way down Bourbon Street as rain from Hurricane Isaac falls in the French Quarter Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2012, in New Orleans. The U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami said Isaac became a Category 1 hurricane Tuesday with winds of 75 mph. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
U.S. Senator David Vitter, R- La., left, Jefferson Parish President John Young, second left, Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal and Army Corps of Engineers Col. Ed Fleming, right, talk as they tour the new levee wall and pumps at the 17th Street Canal in New Orleans, built after Hurricane Katrina, as Hurricane Isaac approaches New Orleans, Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2012. The Category 1 hurricane is expected to hit New Orleans overnight. (AP Photo/Cheryl Gerber)
FLORIDA HURRICANE ISAAC

Waves from Isaac crash against the Jetty East condominium in Destin, Fla., Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2012 as the storm makes its way toward expected landfall in Louisiana. (AP Photo/Northwest Florida Daily News, Devon Ravine)
FLORIDA HURRICANE ISAAC

L'Rena Anderson leans into the wind as she walks along the beach on Okaloosa Island in Fort Walton Beach, Fla., Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2012. Anderson was among many local residents who turned out to watch the effects of Hurricane Isaac as it churns through the Gulf of Mexico toward an expected landfall in Louisiana. (AP Photo/Northwest Florida Daily News, Devon Ravine)
FLORIDA HURRICANE ISAAC

A crowd gathers on the end of the boardwalk on Okaloosa Island in Fort Walton Beach, Fla., Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2012 to watch rough surf generated by Hurricane Isaac as it moves through the Gulf of Mexico with an expected landfall in Louisiana. (AP Photo/Northwest Florida Daily News, Devon Ravine)
Tommy Leonard

Tommy Leonard, of Port Sulphur, La.., says goodbye to his dog 'Snuggles,' before he hands him over to animal control officers, who are keeping evacuees pets for them, at an evacuation shelter in Belle Chasse, La., due to the impending landfall of Isaac, which is expected reach the region as a hurricane this evening, Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2012. The U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami said Isaac became a Category 1 hurricane Tuesday with winds of 75 mph. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Crayione Alexis, Ra'yna Williams

Crayione Alexis, 9, of Phoenix, La., left, and Ra'yna Williams, 5, of Davant, La., play while in an evacuation shelter in Belle Chasse, La., due to the impending landfall of Isaac, which is expected reach the region as a hurricane this evening, Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2012. The U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami said Isaac became a Category 1 hurricane Tuesday with winds of 75 mph. It could get stronger by the time it's expected to reach the swampy coast of southeast Louisiana. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Shajuana Turner, Ra-Maz Williams

Shajuana Turner plays with her cousin Ra-Maz Williams, five months, in an evacuation shelter in Belle Chasse, La. on Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2012. The U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami said Isaac became a Category 1 hurricane Tuesday with winds of 75 mph. It could get stronger by the time it's expected to reach the swampy coast of southeast Louisiana. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
People staying at the Theodore High School shelter line up for lunch on Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2012. The U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami said Isaac became a Category 1 hurricane Tuesday with winds of 75 mph. It could get stronger by the time it's expected to reach the swampy coast of southeast Louisiana. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Wendy Curtis

Wendy Curtis walks through the wind and rain from Isaac as the outer bands make landfall Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2012, in Chalmette, La. The U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami said Isaac became a Category 1 hurricane Tuesday with winds of 75 mph. It could get stronger by the time it's expected to reach the swampy coast of southeast Louisiana. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
From left, Jill Croy and Rachel Croy sit on the new levee wall that was built after Hurricane Katrina as Isaac continues its path to New Orleans, Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2012. The U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami said Isaac became a Category 1 hurricane Tuesday with winds of 75 mph. It could get stronger by the time it's expected to reach the swampy coast of southeast Louisiana. (AP Photo/Cheryl Gerber)
Sand drifts float across the parking lot of the Silver Slipper Casino in Waveland, Miss., Tuesday Aug. 28, 2012. The U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami said Isaac became a Category 1 hurricane Tuesday with winds of 75 mph. It could get stronger by the time it's expected to reach the swampy coast of southeast Louisiana. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
Barack Obama

In this photo taken Aug. 28, 2012, President Barack Obama speaks about Tropical Storm Isaac, in the Diplomatic Room of the White House in Washington. Trying to keep his job as he does his job, President Barack Obama assures the nation his administration is on top of the looming Gulf Coast hurricane Isaac, then gets on a waiting helicopter to head out for votes. The swift pivot illustrates the president's juggle of governing and campaigning -- neither of which ever stops. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)
A Louisiana National Guard vehicle rolls down Bourbon Street as Isaac continues its path to New Orleans, Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2012. The U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami said Isaac became a Category 1 hurricane Tuesday with winds of 75 mph. It could get stronger by the time it's expected to reach the swampy coast of southeast Louisiana. (AP Photo/Cheryl Gerber)
High waters surround signs noting reserved parking for Dauphin Island Ferry employees and for bait shop customers at the ferry landing Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2012 on Dauphin Island, Ala. as residents prepare for the landfall of Hurricane Isaac along the Gulf Coast. The U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami said Isaac became a Category 1 hurricane Tuesday with winds of 75 mph. It could get stronger by the time it's expected to reach the swampy coast of southeast Louisiana.(AP Photo/Mobile Register, G.M. Andrews) MAGS OUT
A man sleeps outside a boarded-up building on Canal Street in New Orleans Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2012, prior to the approach of Isaac, which is expected to reach the swampy coast of southeast Louisiana by early Wednesday. The U.S. National Hurricane Center said the storm, with 75 mph (120 kph) winds, had gained strength as it moved over the warm, open waters of the Gulf of Mexico. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Mobile County Sheriff's Deputy Aaron Swayze uses binoculars to view the the road conditions of the partially-flooded Highway 193 leading to Dauphin Island, Ala., Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2012 as residents prepare for the landfall of Isaac along the Gulf Coast. The U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami said Isaac became a Category 1 hurricane Tuesday with winds of 75 mph. It could get stronger by the time it's expected to reach the swampy coast of southeast Louisiana.(AP Photo/Mobile Register, G.M. Andrews) MAGS OUT
A deserted Bourbon Street in the French Quarter is shown as Hurricane Isaac makes landfall Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2012, in New Orleans. Hurricane Isaac made landfall south of New Orleans Tuesday night. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
People play in the storm surge from Hurricane Isaac, on Lakeshore Drive along Lake Pontchartrain, as the storm nears land, in New Orleans, Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2012. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

For the memory books: @entergynola outage map, midnight during #isaac twitter.com/The_Gambit/sta…
— Gambit (@The_Gambit) August 29, 2012

@ PressRegister : Weather Service buoy data shows wave heights approached 20 feet off Orange Beach due to #Isaac | http://t.co/p7L1F5qr

@ wunderground : Tornado Warning for Baldwin and Mobile Counties in AL until 1:45 AM CDT http://t.co/uHqkMMLr

@ NHC_Atlantic : 2 am EDT Tropical Weather Outlook issued. #twoat http://t.co/iSVU0RBR

@ chadmyerscnn : Although NOLA has had most of the press on #Isaac, Baton Rouge will be hit hard as well as the storm gets closer tomorrow.

@ wunderground : Tides are either rising or will be rising soon in Louisiana and Alabama, complicating the storm surge problem. #Isaac

An advisory posted by The National Hurricane Center at 12 a.m. CDT reported that Hurricane Isaac is slowly moving along Louisiana's Southeast Coast, creating a "dangerous storm surge" with flooding expected.

Located about 70 miles south of New Orleans, a hurricane warning remained in effect for the following areas:

EAST OF MORGAN CITY LOUISIANA TO THE MISSISSIPPI-ALABAMA BORDER... INCLUDING METROPOLITAN NEW ORLEANS...LAKE PONTCHARTRAIN...AND LAKE MAUREPAS

THE CENTER OF ISAAC WILL CONTINUE MOVING NEAR OR OVER THE SOUTHEASTERN COAST OF LOUISIANA THIS MORNING...AND MOVE INLAND OVER SOUTHEASTERN LOUISIANA DURING THE NEXT DAY OR SO.

Click here to view all of the warnings.

@ twc_hurricane : Rain rates briefly reached 3"/hour in New Orleans as 0.51" fell in 10 minutes earlier this hour - heaviest rain yet. #Isaac

This is crazy, I'm told a few shrimpers are riding out #Isaac on their boats. Bad picture of boat lights in distance twitter.com/edlavaCNN/stat…
— ed lavandera (@edlavaCNN) August 29, 2012

@ twc_hurricane : Entergy reports over 241,000 customers without power in the New Orleans metro area. #Isaac

The National Hurricane Center warns of winds and hurricane conditions spreading onshore across Southeastern Louisiana:

WINDS AFFECTING THE UPPER FLOORS OF HIGH-RISE BUILDINGS WILL BE SIGNIFICANTLY STRONGER THAN THOSE NEAR GROUND LEVEL. AT ABOUT THE 30TH STORY...WINDS WOULD LIKELY BE ONE SAFFIR-SIMPSON CATEGORY STRONGER THAN AT THE SURFACE.

More here.

National Hurricane Center reports:

A STORM SURGE OF 10.3 FEET WAS RECENTLY REPORTED AT A NATIONAL OCEAN SERVICE TIDE GAUGE AT SHELL BEACH LOUISIANA. A STORM SURGE OF 6.7 FEET WAS OBSERVED AT A NATIONAL OCEAN SERVICE TIDE GAUGE IN WAVELAND MISSISSIPPI.

More here.

National Hurricane Center's advisory for Hurricane Isaac posted at 10p.m. CDT reports maximum sustained winds of 80mph, as Hurricane Isaac produces "a dangerous storm surge along the northern Gulf Coast."

It warned of subsequent flooding from rainfall, with a hurricane warning in effect for:

* EAST OF MORGAN CITY LOUISIANA TO THE MISSISSIPPI-ALABAMA BORDER... INCLUDING METROPOLITAN NEW ORLEANS...LAKE PONTCHARTRAIN...AND LAKE MAUREPAS

THE TROPICAL STORM WATCH FROM WEST OF CAMERON LOUISIANA TO SABINE PASS TEXAS HAS BEEN REPLACED WITH A TROPICAL STORM WARNING.

Read the full advisory here.

A drenched Anderson Cooper reports for CNN on the "long night ahead" for the residents of New Orleans, as the long duration hurricane event continues.

WATCH:

@ twc_hurricane : LA Homeland Security: 218,995 power outages statewide #Isaac #LAwx

HuffPost's Lynne Peeples reports that according to some experts, "Isaac's high winds and rains, they speculate, could also stir up remnant crude oil from the BP's Deepwater Horizon spill -- exposing more residents and wildlife to its potentially toxic effects."

Read the full report here.

@ twc_hurricane : Wind gusts of 85 mph have been observed near Grand Isle, LA. #Isaac

A new National Hurricane Center Advisory States: