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Storms and heat cancel July Fourth events, leave nearly 1 million without power
Thunderstorms and record heat disrupted Independence Day celebrations across the Northeast and Midwest. Multiple cities canceled parades and fireworks while nearly 1 million utility customers lost electricity.
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Thunderstorms and record heat disrupted July Fourth events across the Northeast and Midwest on Friday and Saturday. Multiple cities canceled parades and fireworks displays while nearly 1 million utility customers lost power. A storm struck the New York area late Friday, producing wind gusts up to 70 mph.
Atlantic City, New Jersey, recorded 105 degrees, its highest July temperature, according to the National Weather Service's Weather Prediction Center. Washington set a record for its warmest low temperature at 84 degrees.
Power outages and restoration efforts Combined outages in Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Ohio, New York and New Jersey reached about 750,000 customers by noon Saturday. Crews from 12 states and Canada headed to Michigan to assist with restoration.
Event cancellations Belleville, New Jersey, postponed fireworks until next year.
Annapolis, Maryland, canceled its parade and a Naval Academy band performance. Philadelphia canceled its Salute to Independence Parade due to extreme heat. Washington's America's Independence Day Parade was also canceled. Organizers said they were monitoring conditions for the Salute to America 250 Celebration & Fireworks on the National Mall.
Fatal boating incident Three children died after a boat capsized on Geneva Lake in Wisconsin during the storm. Six adults and one child were rescued. All four children on board wore life jackets, police said. Lake Geneva's mayor declared an emergency after the incident.
