More than 500,000 people have lost power as Hurricane Isaac moves through south-east Louisiana, bringing torrential rain and flooding.

Hurricane Isaac has lashed the Louisiana coast and is heading for a shuttered New Orleans, sending floodwaters surging and unleashing fierce winds.

Hurricane Isaac made landfall in south-east Louisiana today, with winds of nearly 80mph.

THE son of Evelyn Joel said he had seldom spoken to his mother in the months leading to her death.