Sandy halts Noah production

Los Angeles - Production of Noah has been halted because of Hurricane Sandy.

Darren Aronofsky has cancelled all filming for the forthcoming movie - which is based on the biblical tale which sees the titular character build a huge ark to save everyone from a forthcoming flood - in New York City while cast members including Russell Crowe, Emma Watson and Sir Anthony Hopkins weather out the violent storm currently tearing up the East Coast of America.

The irony of the situation wasn't lost on Emma, who tweeted: "I take it that the irony of a massive storm holding up the production of Noah is not lost @DarrenAronofsky @russellcrowe".

Costly repairs

Meanwhile, Oscar-winner Russell was passing time by indulging in a cup of British breakfast tea.

He joked on twitter: "Found Yorkshire tea at Myers of Keswick on Hudson Street, NY. Teapot and 1953 coronation cup. Aah Tea, it's the ritual perfect for Hurricanes (sic)"

Director Darren is worried about the fate of his two giant purpose-built arks, one inside a Brooklyn sound stage, the other moored in New York's Oyster Bay where flooding and wind gusts of up to 100km/h have been reported.

Production was scheduled to finish soon so the outdoor ark - which is not sea-worthy and measures 137m in length, 23m in height and 14m in width - has been partially dismantled.

But it is feared costly repairs could be necessary, the Los Angeles Times newspaper is reporting.

Noah is set for release in March 2014.