Curfew in force as Isaac is downgraded to tropical storm

Isaac at the height of the storm hitting the US Gulf Credit: NBC

A dusk-to-dawn curfew is in force in New Orleans tonight after Hurricane Isaac brought flooding and stranded dozens of people as it moved slowly across the US Gulf today.

But there is a glimmer of good news for residents. Isaac is no longer a hurricane and has been downgraded to a tropical storm.

However, the weather system is moving slowly and may not clear Louisiana until Friday. That may increase the risk of flooding.

More than half a million people have been left without power across the state's southern areas. They include more than 300,000 in New Orleans and its suburbs.

Isaac wasn't as strong as Hurricane Katrina which hit exactly seven years ago.

  • The centre of the storm is located about 50 miles southwest of New Orleans

  • Average winds are around 70mph

  • The storm system is moving at around 5mph

Hurricane Isaac pictured from space by NASA Credit: NASA

Forecasters say the storm could drop a total of 20 inches of rain.

Thousands of police officers and National Guard troops are on standby amid reports of up to 40 people missing.

Louisiana officials may also cut a hole in one of the levees to relieve the water pressure.