2 dead, more than 1,000 rescued in 'historic' Louisiana flooding

NEW ORLEANS (AP) - Louisiana's governor says National Guard soldiers and other rescuers in boats and helicopters have plucked more than 1,000 people from their homes and cars as "unprecedented, historic" flooding swamped Louisiana.

At least two people have died.

Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards says officials still don't know how bad the flooding will get and warned residents not to rely on past experience when deciding on a course of action. He says residents advised to evacuate should do so.

The National Weather Service says the storm system is drifting slowly west after drenching the southeastern part of the state. A flash flood warning has been issued for southwestern Louisiana.

Flash flood warnings remain in effect for southeastern Louisiana, and more than a half dozen counties in Mississippi are under a flood watch until Sunday.