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Eastern US braced for searing heat as storms leave five dead Eastern US braced for searing heat as storms leave five dead
(8 days later)
Violent storms across the eastern US have killed five and left millions of people without power on a weekend that promises sweltering heat.Violent storms across the eastern US have killed five and left millions of people without power on a weekend that promises sweltering heat.
With temperatures expected to reach triple figures in Washington DC and surrounding areas on Saturday, about 2 million people will be without access to electricity were wiped out by strong winds and falling branches.With temperatures expected to reach triple figures in Washington DC and surrounding areas on Saturday, about 2 million people will be without access to electricity were wiped out by strong winds and falling branches.
Meanwhile the freak weather conditions have been blamed for two deaths in Virginia, two in New Jersey and another in Maryland. Among those killed was a 90-year-old woman who died when a tree slammed into her home while she slept.Meanwhile the freak weather conditions have been blamed for two deaths in Virginia, two in New Jersey and another in Maryland. Among those killed was a 90-year-old woman who died when a tree slammed into her home while she slept.
Power outages were reported from Indiana to New Jersey, with the bulk of the service interruptions concentrated on the capital.Power outages were reported from Indiana to New Jersey, with the bulk of the service interruptions concentrated on the capital.
Earlier Friday, temperatures in DC reached 104F – topping a record of 101 set in 1934.Earlier Friday, temperatures in DC reached 104F – topping a record of 101 set in 1934.
More than 20 elderly residents at an apartment home in Indianapolis were evacuated when the facility lost power due to a downed tree.More than 20 elderly residents at an apartment home in Indianapolis were evacuated when the facility lost power due to a downed tree.
Most were bused to a Red Cross facility to spend the night, while others who depend on oxygen assistance were given other accommodation, the fire department said.Most were bused to a Red Cross facility to spend the night, while others who depend on oxygen assistance were given other accommodation, the fire department said.
Winds of up to 70mph also led to travel chaos. On Interstate 75, near Findlay, Ohio, three tractor trailers overturned leading to lengthy tailbacks.Winds of up to 70mph also led to travel chaos. On Interstate 75, near Findlay, Ohio, three tractor trailers overturned leading to lengthy tailbacks.
The five deaths so far reported in relation to the storm were the result of falling trees.The five deaths so far reported in relation to the storm were the result of falling trees.
Besides the 90-year-old woman, who authorities didn't identify pending notification of family members, a man driving his car was pronounced dead at the scene after his vehicle was struck by heavy branches. Authorities identified him as Khiet Nguyen, 27, of Burke, Virginia.Besides the 90-year-old woman, who authorities didn't identify pending notification of family members, a man driving his car was pronounced dead at the scene after his vehicle was struck by heavy branches. Authorities identified him as Khiet Nguyen, 27, of Burke, Virginia.
Others had a lucky escape amid flying debris and swinging electricity cables.Others had a lucky escape amid flying debris and swinging electricity cables.
A park police officer was injured by an uprooted tree in the northern Virginia county, and an 18-year-old man was struck by a power line. He was in stable condition after receiving CPR, authorities said.A park police officer was injured by an uprooted tree in the northern Virginia county, and an 18-year-old man was struck by a power line. He was in stable condition after receiving CPR, authorities said.
West Virginia governor Earl Ray Tomblin declared a state of emergency after more than 500,000 customers in 27 counties were left without electricity.West Virginia governor Earl Ray Tomblin declared a state of emergency after more than 500,000 customers in 27 counties were left without electricity.
At least four utility poles fell on a road in Columbus, Ohio, making it too dangerous for people in four cars to get out, police said. One person was taken to a hospital.At least four utility poles fell on a road in Columbus, Ohio, making it too dangerous for people in four cars to get out, police said. One person was taken to a hospital.
As of 1am Saturday, Pepco was reporting 406,000 outages in the District of Columbia and Montgomery and Prince George's counties, Maryland.As of 1am Saturday, Pepco was reporting 406,000 outages in the District of Columbia and Montgomery and Prince George's counties, Maryland.
"We have more than half our system down," said Pepco spokeswoman Myra Oppel. "This is definitely going to be a multi-day outage.""We have more than half our system down," said Pepco spokeswoman Myra Oppel. "This is definitely going to be a multi-day outage."
Amtrak suspended its service from Washington DC to Philadelphia due to the storms, at least until mid-morning Saturday.Amtrak suspended its service from Washington DC to Philadelphia due to the storms, at least until mid-morning Saturday.
In the DC area, the Metrorail subway trains were returned to their endpoints due to the storms and related damage, officials said.In the DC area, the Metrorail subway trains were returned to their endpoints due to the storms and related damage, officials said.
"It has had a widespread effect on the region," Metro spokesman Dan Stessel said early Saturday. He said about 17 train stations were operating on backup power due to local power outages, but that he didn't anticipate service being disrupted on Saturday."It has had a widespread effect on the region," Metro spokesman Dan Stessel said early Saturday. He said about 17 train stations were operating on backup power due to local power outages, but that he didn't anticipate service being disrupted on Saturday.
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