Tropical Storm Isaac was picking up a little speed as it trekked north through Louisiana early Thursday.
As its winds diminished — the storm was down to minimal tropical storm status shortly before dawn — forecasters said rain would continue to come down at a brisk clip.
Up to 19 inches was reported in New Orleans, and National Weather Service forecaster Robert Ricks said most areas could expect 10-15 inches of rain.
Ricks said Isaac was proving to be very wet on its east side, and dry on its west.
As the storm moved north toward the nation's heartland, it was expected to bring relief to parched fields and the water-starved Mississippi River.
But it also could create flooding problems if heavy rainfall followed with it.