The Statue of Liberty, shut last year after a huge storm, has reopened to the public as Americans everywhere mark Independence Day, BBC News reported.

Crowds are flocking once again to see the New York monument, which was swamped by tidal surges during post-tropical cyclone Sandy in October.

Events are also being held in Boston, Washington, Atlanta, Philadelphia and New Orleans to mark the US holiday. Security precautions will be tight at major parades and fireworks displays.

The 46-m (151-ft) Statue of Liberty reopened on Thursday, July 4 morning at a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by New York's mayor.

Most of Liberty Island, the attraction's home off lower Manhattan, was deluged by last autumn's powerful storm.