Rail freight company CSX has donated $75,000 to the American Red Cross, as employees prepare the Gulf Coast’s rail network for Tropical Storm Isaac.
The city’s floodgates have now been closed, cutting off rail access to New Orleans.
President Obama has declared a state of emergency for the Gulf Coast, with Isaac now less than 80 miles away from shore.
Michael J. Ward, CSX chief executive, said: “While the exact track of the storm remains uncertain, what is certain is that the American Red Cross and other relief organisations are preparing now and need resources.
“As the employees of CSX prepare our transportation network for Isaac, we wish to help our communities through the vital efforts of the American Red Cross.”
All Amtrak services to and from New Orleans have now been suspended because of forecast hurricane landfall.
