Isaac claims fatality as thousands forced to evacuate

By Josh Levs and Chelsea J. Carter, CNN

updated 9:57 AM EDT, Thu August 30, 2012

Rescue workers transport residents trapped by rising water from Tropical Storm Isaac in LaPlace, Louisiana, on Wednesday, August 29. While Isaac lost its hurricane status, officials warned of continued threats from storm surges and flooding.

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Isaac pounds Gulf Coast

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STORY HIGHLIGHTS

• NEW: A Mississippi dam "is expected to fail," the National Weather Service says
• One man was killed in Mississippi by a falling tree, authorities say
• Nearly a million customers are without power in the region
• The eye of storm is 55 miles southeast of Alexandria, Louisiana

Have you been affected by Isaac? Share your photos here.

(CNN) -- Authorities warned people in a handful of towns outside of New Orleans to get out early Thursday ahead of rising water brought on by hurricane-turned-tropical storm Isaac, which dumped more than 20 inches of rain in some areas.

The warning came as the storm claimed its first fatality. A tow truck driver attempting to clear debris on a road in Mississippi was struck by a falling tree, officials said. The incident took place at midnight, said Amanda Harris, deputy director of the Pearl River County Emergency Management office.

The National Weather Service said it received reports of the fatality in Picayune, Mississippi.

State by state: Isaac soaks region

On Louisiana's border with Mississippi, residents of Washington Parish were alerted that the Bogue Chitto River was expected to rise by 14 feet overnight.