Update: Thousands still without power Tuesday after severe storms batter the East Coast
Severe thunderstorms swept across the eastern United States on Monday, resulting in the deaths of at least two people and leaving over 1.1 million customers without power. The storms brought damaging winds and large hail, causing widespread destruction and disruption in multiple states. Tornado watches and warnings were issued across 10 states, from Tennessee to New York, as toppling trees and power lines posed hazards to roads and homes.
The National Weather Service described the severe weather event as one of the most impactful in the Mid-Atlantic region in recent times. The Washington, D.C. area experienced thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, and gusty winds, with a rare Level 4 out of 5 ranking for severe weather. The East Coast was under a tornado watch, and more than 29.5 million people were at risk.
Flight cancellations and delays were also reported, with over 2,600 flights canceled and nearly 7,900 delayed. Additionally, more than one million Americans were left without power. The Federal Aviation Administration rerouted aircraft to avoid the storms as much as possible.
The severe storms brought dangerous winds, flash flooding, and isolated tornadoes to over 80 million people from Atlanta to Philadelphia. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Storm Prediction Center issued a moderate risk warning for severe storms in parts of the mid-Atlantic, including Baltimore and Washington, highlighting the threat of widespread damaging winds.
The storms were expected to intensify throughout Monday, with destructive straight-line winds, hail, flash flooding, and tornadoes possible. Cities such as Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Baltimore, Charleston, Knoxville, Huntsville, and Raleigh were also at risk.
While the stormy weather provided relief from the intense heat that engulfed the mid-Atlantic and Northeast in July, forecasters warned that the heat could make a comeback in August. The South, on the other hand, continued to experience dangerously hot temperatures, with record highs persisting from the Desert Southwest to Texas and along the Gulf Coast into parts of the Southeast and Florida.
The severe storms and extreme heat have caused significant disruptions and risks across the affected regions. Authorities are urging residents to stay informed about weather conditions and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.
Atlantic region in recent years.
The East Coast continues to grapple with power outages as severe thunderstorms wreaked havoc across the region on Monday. Tragically, at least two individuals lost their lives as a result of the storms, which left over 1.1 million customers without electricity. These powerful storms brought strong winds and large hail, causing extensive damage and disruptions in several states. Authorities issued tornado watches and warnings across 10 states, from Tennessee all the way to New York, as falling trees and downed power lines became significant safety concerns for both roads and homes. The National Weather Service has classified this severe weather event as one of the most impactful in the Mid-
Oh no, my thoughts and prayers go out to everyone affected by the storms. Stay safe, everyone.
Kevin: This is absolutely heartbreaking. Climate change is real and we need to take action now before more damage is done.
This is devastating. Sending strength and support to all the affected communities. Stay strong in the face of adversity.