Thousands Remain Without Power as Deadly Thunderstorms Batter US
Published at
iStockphoto/Thinkstock(NEW YORK) — Hundreds of thousands of people in several Midwest and Mid-Atlantic states continue to deal with soaring temperatures and a lack of power following a series of deadly thunderstorms that have pounded the region since Friday.
At least 17 people have died from the storms in Maryland, Virginia, New Jersey, Ohio, North Carolina and the District of Columbia.
As of early Monday morning, more than 444,000 electric customers in Virginia are without power, while more than 443,000 are in the dark in Ohio. Some 442,000 West Virginia residents are also experiencing power outages.
In New Jersey, about 2,500 residents are in the dark, while power companies in Maryland are reporting outages affecting close to 600,000 customers.
Utility crews from around the country have been summoned to the region to help clear debris and restore power, but officials say it may be days before all customers have their lights, and more importantly, their air conditioners up and running again.
Copyright 2012 ABC News Radio