Story highlights
Louisiana: Levee intentionall breached to drain water from flooded communities
Florida: Coast Guard searches for missing person
Mississippi: There are more than 76,000 customers without power
Arkansas: Thousands also lost power
Much of the central Gulf Coast hunkered down as Hurricane Isaac approached Tuesday. Authorities across the region warned residents to be prepared for heavy rain, high winds, coastal storm surges and flooding.
A summary of the latest preparations and situation in each state:
Louisiana
– The Department of Wildlife and Fisheries said it had rescued 1,537 people as of Thursday morning.
– Louisiana announced mandatory evacuations for low-lying areas along the Tangipahoa River.
– New Orleans and Terrebonne Parish both lifted curfews Thursday.
– The National Guard will distribute water, ice and field ration meals at three locations in New Orleans.
– New Orleans airport should open Friday, the city said.
– The Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority of Louisiana cut into a levee to help water drain from the Braithwaite and Scarsdale communities.
– Tulane University has canceled classes for the rest of the week and will resume on Tuesday after Labor Day, according to the university’s website.
– Louisiana State University, in Baton Rouge, will be closed through Thursday, the school said on its website.
– More than 736,000 customers are without power, according to utility companies.
– State government offices will be closed Wednesday.
– New Orleans City Hall will reopen next Tuesday.
– The U.S. Geological Survey said that the Mississippi River flowed backward for nearly 24 hours on Tuesday.
– Forty-one parishes have issued emergency declarations.
– Seven parishes announced mandatory evacuations in their jurisdictions.
– Bus and street car service in New Orleans and Amtrak and Greyhound service to and from the city have been shut down.
– President Barack Obama declared a state of emergency, and federal aid is on the way.
– The Federal Emergency Management Agency is in charge of recovery operations, and more than 4,100 National Guard troops have been activated.
– Most oil production platforms and drilling rigs in the Gulf of Mexico remain shut.
– Cargo terminals within the Port of New Orleans have ceased operations.
– Portions of the Intracoastal Waterway, Port Allen Route and the Atchafalaya River are open to commercial traffic, but the Coast Guard said: “All other waterways affected by Isaac are considered closed.”
– The Coast Guard said it had rescued 17 people and two pets as of Thursday.
– The Texas A&M-Louisiana Tech football game, originally scheduled for Thursday in Shreveport, has been postponed until October 13.
Florida
– Coast Guard aircrews were searching for a missing person who had been using a personal watercraft off the coast of Pensacola.
– Isaac caused minor damage as it skirted South Florida.
– Thirty members of the Florida National Guard were activated, the governor’s office said.
Mississippi
– A tow truck driver was killed after being struck by a falling tree as he was clearing debris off the road.
– Mississippi announced mandatory evacuations for low-lying areas along the Tangipahoa River.
– Thirty-one shelters remained open, housing more than 2,100 people.
– All low-lying areas in Hancock County are flooding, according to local emergency management officials
– There is “quite a bit of flooding” in Pass Christian, Harrison County emergency management said.
– There are more than 49,000 customers without power, according to utility companies.
– Truckloads of water, generators and food were staged and ready for distribution.
– Two gas station owners were arrested for price gouging. The attorney general’s office said it has received almost 160 calls related to gas price complaints.
– President Obama declared a state of emergency for southern Mississippi and ordered federal aid.
– Thirty-four counties are federal disaster areas, according to the office of emergency management.
– Residents can call 211 for information on shelters, assistance and transportation.
– Mandatory evacuations have been ordered in parts of Hancock and Jackson counties.
– About 1,500 National Guard troops have been deployed.
– Gulfport authorities ordered the port cleared of cargo vessels.
– The Department of Environmental Quality asked residents to report any sightings of oil or oily material to 1-800-424-8802.
Alabama
– A tropical storm warning is in effect for the entire coast.
– Authorities are warning of strong winds, high water and storm surges.
– More than 800 people remain in shelters, emergency management officials say.
– Gov. Robert Bentley ordered an evacuation of parts of Baldwin and Mobile counties.
– A number of roads remain closed in coastal communities, officials say.
Arkansas
– More than 13,100 customers were without power.
– Some areas may get as much as 8 inches of rain but most will see 3 to 6 inches.