Man escorts canoe filled with belongings through flooded street in York Beach, Maine

Forecasters are warning the worst is yet to come in the northeastern United States, where four days of rain have caused widespread flooding.

Heavy rain pounded Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Maine Monday, where the governors have declared states of emergency.

Emergency officials say rain totals in some areas could reach more than 35 centimeters, while floodwaters reached waist-high.

The downpour forced hundreds to flee their homes and head to shelters. More flood warnings have been issued across the New England area.