At lease three people have died in torrential rainfall along the US Gulf Coast, causing unprecedented flooding in parts of Louisiana.

Floodwaters are reported to be at record levels in some areas. Local authorities say even as the severe weather has eased in the eastern part of the region, rivers further west in Louisiana are spilling over, and flooding could worsen over the next 24 to 36 hours. Flood warnings cover eastern regions of the state, including New Orleans, and southern Mississippi.

Emergency workers have rescued more than a thousand people from their homes, with rescue crews using boats to help trapped residents.