The full force of Hurricane Isaac has arrived in Louisiana after the storm made landfall in the state's south-east coast. Thousands of people have fled New Orleans as the city prepares for the arrival of category one Hurricane Isaac. Exactly seven years after Hurricane Katrina devastated the city and killed more than 1,800 people along the Gulf Coast.

Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant explained that he had spoken with the President and that hurricane procedures were in place

"Shelters are being opened. I talked to the President yesterday, and Governor Romney called me last night. I've been in touch this morning with president of Red Cross, visiting a shelter in Hattiesburg. We have the necessary manpower, materials and equipment. As you see the rain's beginning now, the surf's blowing in. I hope these people will get off the beach and begin to take shelter. Low-lying areas need to evacuate. We are prepared as humanely possible for this storm that will be coming ashore tonight and the morning."

Outside police trucks patrol empty streets lashed with rain, while local families with children take refuge inside shelters. All no doubt worried about their homes and futures. These two women share their concerns.

"I'm living in an old trailer, not a new one, and I just hope and pray that the storm doesn't take it."

"They say it is a category 1 so I am not too worried as much as I was during Katrina but we are worried a little bit."

It has been reported that the heavy winds of 80 mph and continuous rainfall could total as much as 20 inches in some areas, causing 12 feet high waves of water, swamping rivers and low lying land and trigger widespread flooding. The city has now closed its new floodgates in a bid to protect it from the effects of high waters. Hurricane Isaac in is not forecast to strengthen beyond a Category 1 hurricane, the lowest on the five-step Simpson scale. Which is well below the intensity of Katrina, which was a Category 3 storm.

Written and presented by Ann Salter