LOUISIANA, MISSISSIPPI Thousands of homes damaged in floods

Associated Press

NEW ORLEANS

Widespread flooding in Louisiana and Mississippi has damaged thousands of homes and the risk of more flooding played out Sunday as rain-filled rivers rose over banks.

At least four deaths have been reported in Louisiana, including that of an elderly man, authorities said. Two fishermen have been missing for days in Mississippi.

Flood warnings were in effect across that region as many rivers remained dangerously high.

Also of concern was another line of thunderstorms that was expected to hit parts of Oklahoma, Arkansas, northern Louisiana and northern Mississippi Sunday night. Hail and tornadoes were possible, forecasters said.

In Louisiana, emergency officials said more than 4,958 homes were damaged.

On Sunday, President Barack Obama signed an order declaring the flooding in Louisiana a major disaster.