Summer storms leave 2 million people without power

As of Monday morning, around 2 million customers along the East Coast and as far west as Illinois remained without power. Since Friday, severe weather has been blamed for at least 17 deaths,

By Ben Nuckols,?Associated Press / July 2, 2012

A Pike Electric worker on a utility pole Sunday in Springfield Va. A severe storm late Friday knocked out power to approximately one million residents, traffic signals and businesses in the region.

AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais

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Washington, D.C. and Columbus, Ohio

A weekend without electricity was already trying for millions in the sweltering, storm-swept mid-Atlantic region. But Monday morning brings another grim challenge when many embark on a difficult commute over roads with darkened stoplights and likely mass-transit delays.

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To alleviate congestion around Baltimore and Washington, federal and state officials gave many workers the option of staying home Monday. Federal agencies will be open in Washington, but non-emergency employees have the option of taking leave or working from home. Maryland's governor also gave state workers wide leeway for staying out of the office.

As of Monday morning, around 2 million customers across a swath of states along the East Coast and as far west as Illinois remained without power. That left many to contend with stifling homes and spoiled food over the weekend as temperatures approached or exceeded 100 degrees, and utility officials said the power will likely be out for several more days. Since Friday, severe weather has been blamed for at least 17 deaths, most from trees falling on homes and cars.

IN PICTURES: Extreme Weather 2012

There were more than 400 signal outages in Maryland on Monday, including more than 330 in hard-hit Montgomery County outside the nation's capital, according to the State Highway Administration. There were 100 signal outages in northern Virginia late Sunday afternoon, and 65 roads were closed, although most were secondary roads.

"If you have to drive or need to drive, leave yourself a lot of extra time," Maryland State Highway Administration spokesman Charlie Gischlar said. "There's going to be delays."

All 86 Metro subway stations in the Washington area were open, but delays were possible Monday because power was being routed through the system to serve some areas where power was not being supplied by commercial utilities, spokesman Dan Stessel said. Some stations in Montgomery County were running on backup power, he said, meaning escalators may not work ? bad news for commuters braving the stifling heat. Metro bus riders were expected to experience significant delays.

Drivers resorted to ingenuity to get to work. On a residential street in suburban Falls Church, Va., just outside Washington, downed trees blocked the road on either side. Enterprising neighbors used chain saws to cut a makeshift path on one side, but the other remained completely blocked by a massive oak tree.

"They kind of forgot about us out here," resident Eric Nesson said.

Still, residents took the aggravation with good humor. Posted on the oak tree was a sign saying: "Free firewood you haul." The tree lay across a smashed Ford pickup truck, with a sign reading: "For SALE. Recently lowered."

Meanwhile, Coast Guard officials say they have suspended the search for a man who disappeared early Saturday while boating during the storm off Maryland.

Source: http://rss.csmonitor.com/~r/feeds/csm/~3/QKavjvCzX3A/Summer-storms-leave-2-million-people-without-power

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