In the United States, the worst floods in decades washed over large areas of the northeastern part today as authorities mobilised emergency services to brace for more to come. In one of the worst hit states, Rhode Island, Governor Donald Carcieri told all non-essential government employees to stay at home, recommending that businesses, schools and local government buildings also close. <br/><br/>Government officials said that flooding, which started on Monday, was the worst in Rhode Island since 1955. In Massachusetts, Governor Deval Patrick declared a state of emergency this week and ordered out National Guard troops to aid in evacuations, sandbagging, and security. People were warned away from coastlines and told that flooded roads posed life-threatening risks. The National Weather Service also declared large areas of New York state at risk of flooding.<br/>