In pictures: Hurricane Lili

Hurricane Lili hit the US Gulf Coast on Thursday, the first storm of hurricane strength to do so since Irene in 1999.

Though it had lost hurricane strength by the afternoon, Lili still left a trail of devastation, toppling trees, blowing off roofs and breaking shop windows.

Lili brought heavy rains, flooding roads either side of the Intercoastal Waterway.

A levee broke in Montegut, Louisiana, causing misery for local residents.

Some people had no choice but to leave.

Residents had to cut power lines free from tree limbs.

Some Louisiana inhabitants took things in their stride.

There were mixed emotions from children in the affected area.