Major roads in the US are turned into rivers.

Vehicles submerged up to their windows are abandoned in New York subways as the waters rise.

Heavy rain dumped more than 30 cm of water across the Long Island, triggering flash floods.

It's believed to be the most the area's ever seen in a 24 hour period.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) UNIDENTIFIED LONG ISLAND RESIDENT, SAYING:

"In all the years I am living here I have never, ever seen anything like this, ever. Never 12 inches of rain. Never."

The worst of it came during the morning rush hour, causing major problems for commuters.

One traveller in New Jersey though refused to give up, pushing his car through waist deep muddy water.

Many major routes and the Long Island Rail Road were forced to close because of flooding.

At least one death was reported in Long Island.

Flash floods also hit Nebraska.

Here at the Good Smaritan Hospital it was a different kind of emergency from usual.