Isaac causes flooding on the Gulf Coast - MSNewsNow.com - Jackson, MS

Isaac causes flooding on the Gulf Coast

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BILOXI, MS (Mississippi News Now) -

While Isaac may be weakening, it certainly didn't feel or look like it Wednesday.

Gov. Phil Bryant says the rain could last into Friday leaving behind substantial flooding along the Gulf Coast and in southwest Mississippi.

"We knew that there would be some flooding but two days of sustained rain and a surge is something we haven't seen before but we're prepared to deal with it," Bryant said.

That preparation stretches from military staging to search and rescue. As of Wednesday morning, a handful of folks, including an infant, found themselves trapped, then rescued by the National Guard and emergency responders.

 "I think we're going to be here a while, there is quite a bit of area that has water in it that is inundated from this system," said rescuer Frank Fineren.

Bryant add, "We've got swift water boats that are in the water rescuing this morning. I'm going to meet with the Coast Guard to see if they can assist us if we need further."

The governor is also calling on assistance from the federal government. Wednesday morning Bryant was on the phone with President Obama and the governors from Louisiana and Alabama. Bryant asked the president for an expedited emergency declaration for immediate assistance to help with foreseeable problems, especially from the flooding.

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