NEW ORLEANS, Sept. 14 (UPI) -- Evacuations were ordered and schools closed Tuesday in many low-lying parishes of southeast Louisiana in the potential path of Hurricane Ivan.
A voluntary evacuation was under way in New Orleans, but a mandatory order may be issued when the track of the Category 4 hurricane is better known.
Workers were ready to close floodgates protecting the city that sits about 5 feet below sea level. Forty years ago Hurricane Betsy left the city under 7 feet of water.
Lt. Kevin Cowan of the Louisiana National Guard said mandatory evacuations were ordered in Plaquemines and St. Charles parishes. Voluntary evacuations were in place for four other parishes, including two in New Orleans.
New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin warned residents about the dangerous storm and urged voluntary evacuations. Many schools were closed in the area so families could make preparations.
Gov. Kathleen Blanco declared a state of emergency, which gives officials greater authority to order mandatory evacuations if conditions worsen.
