Isaac heads towards New Orleans

Thousands of people have fled the US city of New Orleans as Hurricane Isaac makes its approach

The city has closed its new floodgates in a bid to protect it from the effects of high waters brought by sustained winds of up to 80mph (130km/h).

President Obama warned residents in the hurricane's path not to "tempt fate" and to heed evacuation warnings.

Alistair Leithead has been on the streets in New Orleans.