(Makes clear that residents can return on Thursday)

NEW ORLEANS, Sept 2 (Reuters) - A mandatory evacuation of New Orleans declared in advance of Hurricane Gustav will end at midnight on Wednesday, allowing residents to return on Thursday, Mayor Ray Nagin said on Tuesday.

Nagin said it would be take time before all the city's hospitals, water and sewage services and power were fully operational and he urged residents to be cautious in returning. (Editing by Kevin Krolicki)

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