Irene Death Toll Jumps to 40; Flood Warnings Still in Effect

The death toll from Hurricane Irene has jumped to 40 as more people were pulled out of floodwaters, according to new reports.

The latest number is nearly double what was reported on Sunday, according to ABC News.

Millions of residents in 11 states were affected by Irene as it roared across the East Coast after making landfall in North Carolina Saturday morning. Though it arrived on the U.S. coast as a Category 1 storm, Irene still left billions of dollars in damage and dozens of people dead.

According to the National Weather Service, flooding continues in New England, New York and New Jersey due to heavy rainfall from Irene and most rivers have either crested or are expected to crest Tuesday.

Flash flood watches and warnings are still in effect.

For Vermont, Irene caused the state's worst flooding since the Great Flood of 1927. To read more, click here.

Related article: Irene's toll jumps to 38; Vt. towns battle floods

As a former Louisianian who experienced the fury of Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath, I do not have to imagine what those whose communities have been devastated by Hurricane Irene are going through. They need our prayers and our help.