Triple-digit temps as millions suffer storm power outages, 3 States Declare Emergencies
First came the heat, then killer storms, followed by more summer sizzle.
Millions of people across nine states were reeling without power Saturday to deal with thermostat-popping temperatures after fierce thunderstorms pounded parts of the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic.
At least 11 people were killed and three states — Virginia, West Virginia and Ohio — declared states of emergency.
After the rains passed, governors cautioned people to stay cool as temperatures climbed again and to stay out of the way of emergency crews working to clear debris and restore power.
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“Last night’s thunderstorms caused the broadest non-hurricane related power outage in Virginia history,” said Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell.
“This is not a one-day situation; it is a multi-day challenge,” he said.
Joseph Rigby, president of the electric company Pepco, said it could be a week before power is fully back up in some areas of Washington.
“Given the damage, you can understand this is going to take some time,” he said. “The wild card is the weather.”