In St. John the Baptist Parish about 25 miles from New Orleans, at least 1,500 people were forced from their homes by floodwaters and thousands should evacuate, according to the governor's office.
Rising water closed off all main thoroughfares into the parish, and in many areas, water lapped up against houses and left cars stranded. F
Floodwaters rose to waist-high in some LaPlace neighborhoods, and the Louisiana National Guard was working with sheriff's deputies to rescue people stranded in their homes and surprised by the flooding.
The water was being driven higher by south winds as Tropical Storm Isaac passed to the west.