Downpours Flood New Orleans Again

Parts of New Orleans flooded yesterday after pumps repaired in the wake of Katrina couldn't keep up with torrential downpours that brought more than 2 inches of rain per hour. Eight inches fell on some parts of the city, and homes and businesses in the worst-hit areas floundered in as much as 4 feet of water. "It was bad everywhere," said one resident.

Officials say all pumping stations were working, but the amount of rain exceeded their capacity. The pumps can handle a maximum of 1 inch in the first hour of rainfall and half an inch per hour after that. The Times-Picayune reports that the rain should ease off today, and cool, dry weather will last through the weekend.