Canal Closed In New Orleans

NEW ORLEANS (AP) -- The Army Corps of Engineers has closed a gate on a suburban canal as heavy rains soak flood-prone New Orleans.<br/><br/>New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin shut down City Hall early, and schools

Monday, October 22nd 2007, 9:00 pm

By: News On 6

NEW ORLEANS (AP) -- The Army Corps of Engineers has closed a gate on a suburban canal as heavy rains soak flood-prone New Orleans.

New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin shut down City Hall early, and schools also closed. People have been asked to stay indoors until the flood threat is over.

Eight inches of rain has fallen in parts of the city, and more is expected overnight Monday.

The corps has worked to strengthen the canal as part of new safety guidelines implemented after Hurricane Katrina. But, engineers worried that driving water into its walls might lead to flooding.

The area around the canal, five miles from downtown, includes homes and businesses.