NBC NATIONAL NEWS — Hurricane Isaac is slowly pushing ashore.

As of 6:30 am the storm's center was 50 miles south-southwest of New Orleans.

Isaac has been dumping rain on the Gulf Coast for hours, triggering flooding in low-lying areas and pushing a storm surge over the top of one levee in rural Plaquemines Parish.

Officials say some people may be trapped in homes there, but the wind and rain are hampering rescue efforts.