Hurricane Isaac downgraded to tropical storm, but damage continues

Hurricane Isaac has been downgraded to a tropical storm, but it continues to pound Louisiana and the Gulf Coast with heavy winds and rain.

USA Today reported forecasters predict major flooding could last through out the night in New Orleans.

National Public Radio said the National Hurricane Center estimated winds at 70 mph by mid-afternoon, as the tropical storm moved northwest at 6 mph.

The Center said despite the weakening "life threatening hazards from storm surge and inland flooding are still occurring."

More from GlobalPost: Hurricane Isaac hits with force, flooding areas of Louisiana, Mississippi, on Katrina anniversary

CBS News reported so far 691,303 area residents have lost power due to the storm, with officials saying power may not be restored for days.

With massive flooding in New Orleans and nearby towns, New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu issued a dusk-till-dawn curfew for the city which begins Wednesday evening, according to USA Today.

Plaquemines Parish has been among the hardest hit areas, according to NPR. Gov. Bobby Jindal said at a news conference, 56 parishes have declared state of emergencies and the National Guard is helping to rescue people off attics and roofs.

According to CBS, Jindal said as many as 40 people are still waiting to be rescued. CBS affiliate WWL-TV said 75 people were rescued from homes and off rooftops in Braithwaite, La.

Plaquemines Parish which was issued a mandatory evacuation order is home to 3,000 people, CBS reported.