Slow moving storms dumps rain on New Orleans; flood defenses are holding

NBC NATIONAL NEWS — 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.

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

"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. he wind was so strong it was pushing the boat the opposite way," James Olivieri said after he was helped to safety.

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 say New Orleans has held its ground against Isaac.

"We've been blessed. We haven't had any major incidents so far," says National Guard Major Jonathan Lloyd.

"So far" being the key words.

Isaac still is far from done with the gulf, and the storm's effects could be felt for days to come.