Irene Hits US: Flood And Power Cuts Alert

Tropical storm Irene has battered northeastern America, leaving at least 29 people dead - as President Barack Obama warned there could be worse to come.

An 11-year-old boy was among those killed by the extreme weather when a tree hit an apartment.

Four people were confirmed dead in Pennsylvania and six people have died in North Carolina.

Five million homes and businesses are without electricity.

The tropical storm warning for the east coast has now been cancelled.

However, Mr Obama , who had cut short his holiday to oversee storm preparations, has warned the area's problems are not over.

He said: "Many Americans are still at risk of power outages and flooding which could get worse in the coming days as rivers swell past their banks.

"I want people to understand this is not over."

"The effects are still being felt in the country in New England and states like Vermont where there is an enormous amount of flooding.

"The response continues, but I will make sure that FEMA and the other agencies are doing everything in their power to help the people on the ground."

The storm was downgraded from a category one hurricane, but still brought winds of more than 60mph.

New Jersey was among the areas worst hit with Governor Chris Christie predicting the cost of repairing the damage would run into billions of dollars.

The state suffered severe flooding, with trees downed and power lines knocked out.

People have reported that winds have upended concrete benches on the Asbury Park boardwalk and the walkway has been covered in sand.

Vermont authorities said the flooding may be the worst in the state since 1927.

Offices were closed in the capital Montpelier but water levels had begun to recede.

New York City was back to business on Monday but thousands of people who normally travel from the surrounding area faced a difficult commute as flooding knocked out some transit routes.

More than 11,000 flights have been cancelled since Friday although some are gradually being restored as John F Kennedy and Newark airports reopened.

Financial markets have opened as normal, although volume is expected to be reduced.

Mayor Michael Bloomberg said there were no reports of deaths or injuries in the city.

But 60 people, including three babies, had to be rescued from 21 homes on Staten Island which had been flooded by 5ft (1.5m) of water.

There were concerns about severe flooding in the area close to Wall Street on Manhattan, however only a foot of water was seen.

Washington, which was also on alert for the storm, saw 20cm (eight inches) of rain but there was no major damage.

Some federal buildings in the area are without power, however all agencies are expected to open.

The National Hurricane Centre said the storm is now headed towards Canada with wind speeds dropping to 50mph (80kmph).