Hurricane Isaac blows through Louisiana, flooding, cutting power

NEW ORLEANS — Hurricane Isaac has weakened slightly as it makes its way through Louisiana and Mississippi but even as a category one hurricane, it’s still bringing high winds and flooding rains.

It’s a dire situation in southern Louisiana.

Up to 60 people may be stranded after water toppled over the levees protecting Plaquemines Parish.

Resident James Olivieri said, “The house started flooding in. We got out the back door with the boat. Tried to save my next-door neighbor which wouldn’t happen. The wind was so strong it was pushing the boat the opposite way.”

Across the gulf, storm surges are churning out violent waves.

In New Orleans strong winds blew out transformers leaving nearly half a million people without power by sunrise.

Despite the damage, emergency officials said New Orleans has held its ground against Isaac.

“We’ve been blessed. We haven’t had any major incidents so far,” National Guard Maj. Jonathan Lloyd said.

“So far” being the key words.

“This could go on for several days,” Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant said.

Isaac still is far from done with the gulf.

- Danielle Leigh, NBC News.