by hurricane irene. so surveying some of that damage. thanks to the storm the area saw extensive flooding. it's the worst flooding in more than a century. the passaic river behind me, flowed out over the city with floodwaters rising nine feet. the president will be arriving shortly after noon and then begin surveying the areas affected, presumably homes, businesses, infrastructure, and the like. he will be joined by several new jersey state officials, including governor chris chris tis in what is paterson's first presidential visit in 35 years. last week, president obama signed a disaster declaration for the state of new jersey, making them eligible for federal funding and rebuilding in the wake of the storm. boy, does paterson need that help. this city was one of the hardest hit by hurricane irene. the flooding left lots of damage in its wake, roads, people's homes and businesses. also left thousands without power and about 1500 people had to be displaced. the mayor said all told, 6,000 people here in the city were