The governors of New York and New Jersey, in the US, declared a state of emergency late on Wednesday as record-breaking rains from tropical storm Ida led to flooding and hazardous conditions on the roads, with media reporting at least nine deaths.

"I am declaring a state of emergency to help New Yorkers affected by tonight's storm," said New York Governor Kathy Hochul on Twitter.

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio described the...