Washington, Aug 24 (DPA) Heavy storms and rain lashed the US' northern Atlantic Coast as Hurricane Bill rolled toward Canada after sweeping across Bermuda.

Three people were rescued from the Atlantic by the US Coast Goard after being surprised by a large wave and washed into the ocean in the northeastern state of Maine, media reports said.

A large crowd had gathered in Acadia National Park to watch the turbulent sea, stirred up by the hurricane. The sudden, large wave caught several of the spectators, all but three of whom were able to save themselves.

The three rescued people and several others were reportedly injured.

The US National Weather Service described Bill as 'racing toward Newfoundland', where tropical storm warnings were effect. Similar warnings were in place for parts of two other Canadian provinces: Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island.

The storm passed the coast on one of the last weekends of the summer holidays, particularly disrupting beach-goers.

Warnings were issued against swimming along much of the US East coasts as the storm stirred up dangerous currents. Around 70 swimmers - including 50 alone off the Mid-Atlantic state of Delaware - had to be rescued from the sea, CNN reported.

The daily News Journal in Wilmington, Delaware, reported waves Sunday of four metres or more.