NEW ORLEANS, Sept. 15 (UPI) -- New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin Wednesday ordered a curfew and set up a shelter for those with special needs who can't flee from approaching Hurricane Ivan.
Officials have urged all 1.2 million residents of the greater New Orleans area to evacuate and thousands left by car or plane after securing their homes and businesses.
Nagin imposed a curfew at 2 p.m. Wednesday and announced police would be investigating any price gouging. He said officers have already heard of $10-a-gallon gasoline.
Nagin said the Louisiana Superdome would be opened as a last-resort shelter for those with special needs, such as health problems. He said caregivers would be responsible for medication and dietary needs.
The Coast Guard also announced all ports along the northern gulf coast have been closed to marine traffic until the storm passes. That includes the Port of New Orleans, which is one of the busiest in the nation.
