NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Isaac is losing some of its strength and has been downgraded to a tropical storm as it trudges inland over Louisiana.

Isaac has top sustained winds of 70 mph, just below the hurricane threshold of 74 mph. The storm is about 50 miles west-southwest of New Orleans, where it is bringing drenching rains and fierce winds.

City officials are imposing a dusk-to-dawn curfew in New Orleans beginning Wednesday because of the downed power lines and generally unsafe conditions.

Forecasters are warning there are still life-threatening hazards from the storm surge and inland flooding.

AP-WF-08-29-12 1912GMT