Hurricane Isaac 2012 Path Maps: Storm Looms Over New Orleans; Downgraded to Tropical Storm

As of 8:05 EDT Isaac, which has been downgraded to a tropical storm, was located inland 35 MI southeast of Alexandria, Louisiana, moving northwest at a speed of 8 mph. Maximum wind speeds reached 46 mph, with gusts reaching 57 mph.

According to the National Hurricane Center, Isaac will likely produce 7 to 14 inches of rainfall over Louisiana, Mississippi, Southwest Alabama, and Arkansas through Friday. There is a possibility of maximum amounts of 25 inches in "isolated areas," and these conditions will likely result in "significant lowland flooding." The NHC reports unofficial word that Gretna, Louisiana has received 23.31 inches of rainfall.

In terms of inland hazards, tornadoes are possible along the central gulf coast region and parts of the lower Mississippi River Valley through Thursday. There are dangerous rip tide conditions along the west coast of Florida and the Northern Gulf coast for "the next day or so." Storm surges are expected near the coast in Mississippi, Southeastern Louisiana, Alabama, South-Central Louisiana, and the Florida Panhandle.

Additionally, a tropical storm warning is in effect for Intracoastal City, Louisiana to the Mississippi-Alabama border, which includes Lake Pontchartrain and Lake Maurepas. The tropical storm warning for west of Intracoastal City Louisiana to Cameron is now discontinued.

While Isaac seems to be winding down, people left in its wake must remain alert.

Director of the NHC Rick Knabb reinforced that the "category of the storm doesn't capture all of the hazards."

"Take this one very seriously. It's going to take a while for this to spin down. We're still way early before this is all over," he added.

New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu stated, "This is not the time to let your guard down. We're still in this thing, so it's more important than ever for residents to stay vigilant and remain calm."

Isaac has also served as a call-to-action in regards to further protecting low-lying areas from flooding. Louisiana Senator Mary Landrieu expresses that "Hurricane Isaac has reinforced for us again just how vulnerable these critical areas are. We must re-engage the Corps of Engineers on this."