1 Million Lose Power During July 4 Heat Wave

Nearly 1 million customers were without power across parts of the Midwest and Northeast on Saturday as a heat wave and severe weather struck during the July 4 holiday weekend. PowerOutage.us reported 838,000 customers without electricity, down from a peak above 950,000 earlier in the day. The site tracks utility accounts rather than individuals, so the number of people affected is likely higher.

New Jersey followed with about 179,000 customers out, while Pennsylvania, Illinois, and Ohio each reported roughly 50,000 to 63,000 customers without service. Utility companies said the figures change as crews restore power and new storms cause additional localized outages.

Organizers canceled or altered major July 4 events in at least nine states and the District of Columbia. The Great American State Fair closed temporarily on Friday before reopening in the evening. In Philadelphia, a planned semiquincentennial parade was canceled after organizers first shortened the route.

The National Weather Service issued heat warnings for large portions of the East Coast, Mid-Atlantic, and Midwest, with some areas expecting heat index values between 110 and 115 degrees.

and Public Guidance In New

York City, utility provider Con Edison reduced voltage in Westchester County, the Bronx, and parts of Queens to avoid grid overload. The company also began distributing dry ice to residents to help preserve food. Emergency management officials urged residents to limit outdoor exposure, check on neighbors, and use local cooling centers.

Forecasters said the combination of heat and storms could continue through the weekend.