(re-send - updating death figure - AUDIO - with significant camera clicks)

Hurricane Irene has started to batter New York.

There is a warning of severe flooding in the city as the peak of the storm
could coincide with high tide.

370 thousand people have been evacuated - and at least nine people killed in
the states already hit by Irene.

President Obama told reporters it'll be a 'tough slog' to get through the
storm.

[Take AUDIO
NUMBER: 018
OUT WORDS: enormous strain
Duration: 13"]


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