New Orleans shuts down nuclear plants

NEW ORLEANS, La. (AP) - he U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission says a nuclear power plant west of New Orleans is shutting down because of the threat from Hurricane Isaac, but two others in or near the hurricane's path remain at full power.

The NRC says the Waterford 3 plant in Taft, La., began a controlled shutdown at 3 p.m. Tuesday. The plant is about 20 miles west of New Orleans in St. Charles Parish.

The NRC says the River Bend plant, about 25 miles northwest of Baton Rouge, La., and Grand Gulf, near Port Gibson, Miss., remain at full power.

Extra inspectors were sent to all three plants and will remain there until the storm is no longer a threat, officials said.

The plants are operated by New Orleans-based Entergy Corp.