Severe storms swept through the eastern United States on Monday, resulting in two fatalities, thousands of flight cancellations and delays, and widespread power outages. The storms brought hail, lightning, and the threat of tornadoes to many states.
The National Weather Service issued a tornado watch for the greater D.C. area, warning of damaging winds, large hail, and the potential for strong tornadoes. Tornado watches and warnings were posted across 10 states, affecting more than 29.5 million people. The storms caused significant disruptions, with flights being canceled and delayed. By Monday night, over 2,600 flights had been canceled and nearly 7,900 were delayed, particularly at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
Tragically, two fatalities were reported due to the storms. In Anderson, South Carolina, a 15-year-old boy was killed when a tree fell on him as he exited a car. In Florence, Alabama, a 28-year-old man was struck by lightning and died.
The severe weather conditions also led to changes in the schedule of President Joe Biden and the White House. Biden’s departure on a four-day trip was moved up by 90 minutes, and a back-to-school cybersecurity event featuring First Lady Jill Biden and other officials was canceled. Additionally, all non-emergency federal employees were instructed to depart before 3 p.m., as federal offices closed early.
The storms caused widespread power outages, affecting over 1.1 million customers across multiple states including Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, West Virginia, and Virginia. Trees and power lines were toppled, falling onto roads and in some cases, homes. The damage was extensive, with reports of roofs being ripped off and utility poles being toppled.
Residents were advised to seek shelter and stay at home or work during the storms. The National Weather Service warned that this was one of the most impactful severe weather events in the Mid-Atlantic region in recent times. The storms also led to the postponement of a Major League Baseball game between the Phillies and the Washington Nationals in Philadelphia.
The Knoxville Utilities Board in Tennessee reported widespread and extensive damage, which would take several days to repair. Across the affected states, efforts are underway to restore power and clear debris. The storms have left a trail of destruction and disruption, forcing communities to recover from the aftermath.
As the cleanup and recovery process begins, officials are urging residents to stay cautious and prepared for possible further severe weather events. The impact of these storms serves as a reminder of the importance of being vigilant and prepared for extreme weather conditions.
Original Story at apnews.com – 2023-08-08 10:18:00
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