UPDATE: Severe flooding feared in aftermath of Irene

Associated Press

KILL DEVIL HILLS, N.C.

From North Carolina to New Jersey, Hurricane Irene’s winds and storm surge fell short of the doomsday predictions. But the danger is far from over: With rivers still rising, severe flooding is feared across much of the East Coast over the next few days.

More than 4.5 million homes and businesses along the coast lost power, and at least 18 deaths were blamed on the storm.

With roads impassable because of high water and fallen trees, it could be days before the full extent of the damage is known. But as day broke Sunday, many places reported only light damage consisting of little more than downed trees and power lines.

“I think it’s a little strong to say we dodged a bullet. However, it certainly could have turned out worse for the Hampton Roads area” in Virginia, said National Weather Service meteorologist Mike Montefusco.

At the same time, officials warned of the possibility of extreme flooding as runoff from the storm makes its way into creeks and rivers.

Irene brought six inches to a foot of rain to many places along the East Coast. In one eastern North Carolina neighborhood, two-dozen homes were destroyed by flooding and officials feared more damage could be uncovered there.