The operation to clean up the Gulf of Mexico oil spill is being disrupted as Hurricane Alex sweeps through the region.
Ships being used by BP and the US Coast Guard to try to scoop up the oil have been sent back to port because of rough seas.
President Barack Obama has declared a state of emergency in Texas to cope with Hurricane Alex, the BBC reports.
Vice-President Joe Biden is visiting the Gulf of Mexico region to reassure local businesses that Washington is working to resolve problems preventing people from returning to work.
The operation is likely to get a boost soon, as the US has accepted offers of help from 12 countries and international organisations.
