Tropical Storm Irene_ Flash floods hit New York state

Soldiers have been airlifting storm-relief supplies to Vermont towns which remain cut off after the trail of destruction left by Irene.

More than 200 roads are blocked or washed away in Vermont, hampering rescue efforts to 13 towns.
Irene killed 44 people in 13 US states, according to the Associated Press, and caused billions of dollars' damage.

About half of the 6.7 million people on the east coast who lost power still have no electricity.
Vermont is reeling from its worst floods since 1927, and officials warned some rivers and creeks there had yet to crest.
'Irene whacked us' National Guard troops flew in food, water and other emergency supplies to the rural, mountainous state on Tuesday.

Wendy Pratt Vermont resident

They also brought in some provisions by road, using heavy-duty lorries.

Irene had been expected to bring the most havoc to coastal areas, but some of its worst destruction took place far inland.
Governor Peter Shumlin told MSNBC television: "We've got a long slog ahead. Irene really whacked us hard."
In the Vermont town of Rochester, one resident, Wendy Pratt, used a generator to post an update on Facebook to tell of the chaos.
"People have lost their homes, their belongings, businesses," Ms Pratt wrote.
"The cemetery was flooded and caskets were lost down the river. So many areas of complete devastation."
Newlyweds' narrow escape In the Vermont town of Pittsfield, two newlyweds from New York City were stranded after rising floodwaters hit their honeymoon cottage.

 

Marc Leibowitz and Janina Stegmeyer's honeymoon cottage was flooded

Marc Leibowitz and Janina Stegmeyer said they just escaped in a car before a bridge collapsed on Sunday. Dozens of their wedding guests were airlifted out by helicopter on Tuesday.
Irene dumped 11in (30cm) of rain on Vermont.
In New Jersey, the Passaic River measured 13ft (4m) above flood stage on Tuesday, the highest level since 1903, police sergeant Alex Popov said.
Emergency teams working in the state's Paterson city have rescued nearly 600 people from flooded homes in recent days.
New Jersey Governor Chris Christie warned more flooding was likely over the next 48 hours.
"For members of these communities who have lost everything, relief cannot come soon enough for them," he said.