At Least 2 Dead, Thousands of Flights Cancelled, 1.1 Million Lose Power in Eastern US Storms

Storm clouds pass over the Washington Monument in Washington on Aug. 7, 2023. Jacquelyn Martin/AP Photo

WASHINGTON—At least two people died, thousands of U.S. flights were canceled or delayed, and more than 1.1 million homes and businesses lost power Monday as severe storms, including hail and lightning, moved through the eastern U.S.

The National Weather Service issued a tornado watch for the greater D.C. area, lasting until 9 p.m. A special Weather Service statement warned, “There is a significant threat for damaging and locally destructive hurricane-force winds, along with the potential for large hail and tornadoes, even strong tornadoes.”