Hurricane Irene Flooding Sets Record High Levels For Rivers In 10 States

Irene Sets River Flooding Records

Rain from Hurricane Irene has resulted in record high levels for rivers in 10 states in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions of the U.S. The U.S. Geological Survey reports that more than 80 streamgages on U.S. rivers are at record levels.

River levels have already peaked in many places but "other rivers are still expected to rise," according to a Wednesday USGS press release. With higher than average precipitation levels in recent weeks, the ground in many Northeast locations was already saturated before last weekend's storm.

Rivers in Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Vermont have all set records for high-water marks after Irene.

The Associated Press reports that the National Guard airlifted provisions to Vermont residents still cut off by floodwaters on Wednesday. Damage from Irene is also causing delays for school openings in the Northeast.

On Wednesday, President Obama declared New York a disaster area, releasing federal funds for cleanup and recovery in the state.

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