Hurricane Isaac 2012 Path, Map Update: New Orleans Hit Wednesday and Louisiana Preparing as Levee Breached
Hurricane Isaac's path of destruction is proving to be a slow one, as the massive storm moves at a painfully slow speed causing extensive rainfall and storm surges across the Gulf Coast region. New Orleans and southeast Louisiana are currently taking the main brunt of Isaac on Wednesday morning, as experts express concern about the slow moving storm.
Isaac was around 40 miles south of New Orleans at about 9 a.m. Wednesday but had effectively slowed to a crawl, moving at just 6 mph, meaning the region is being constantly hit by Isaac's current 80 mph winds and huge downpours.
Higher than predicted storm surges have also taken place across the region, and at least one rural levee has been breached so far, with others staying strong so far. Experts have predicted that storm surges of about 16 feet will be seen in badly hit areas, but this will be combined with the relentless rainfall accompanying Isaac.
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READ MORE: WHY DOES GOD ALLOW HURRICANES?
The hurricane's track will see it continue to push inland throughout Wednesday, although the New Orleans region and surrounding areas will suffer much of the worst of the storm due to its slow movement. By Wednesday evening experts are predicting its path will lead it to central Louisiana, and by Thursday morning the Louisiana region will be taking the majority of the storm's winds and rainfall.
Various reports have claimed flooding has occurred across the region with some homes suffering bad water damage.
Although Isaac is only a category 1 hurricane, much less powerful than 2005's Hurricane Katrina which was a category 3, various characteristics of Isaac are making it cause more extensive damage and problems than most hurricane's of the same power. It's intensive rainfall, and slow moving nature, as well as the sheer size of Isaac, which stretches nearly 400 miles across, mean any areas in its path are set for a severe test of their flood systems and emergency services.
Thousands of people have already evacuated New Orleans, with the memory of Katrina still in their minds, they are not taking any chances.
Tens of thousands of others have been told to flee their homes in the lower lying areas of Louisiana and Mississippi, although a mass evacuation has not been ordered at this time.
Due to Isaac's size there are also storm warnings in effect for parts of Alabama, Florida and Texas.
Experts have furthered warned that isolated tornados are likely along the coastal regions, and anyone remaining in the area should be vigilant.
By Tuesday night nearly 60,000 homes in New Orleans were already without power, and 200,000 homes and businesses were also affected by power outages in Louisiana and Mississippi.
READ MORE: WHY DOES GOD ALLOW HURRICANES?
