Storm-damaged communities in Georgia, across eastern US clear downed trees and race to restore power

Members of the media walk to the press briefing room of the White House, Monday, Aug. 7, 2023, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

Communities across the eastern United States were clearing away downed trees and power lines Tuesday after severe storms killed at least two people, damaged homes, cut electricity to more than 1.1 million homes and businesses, and canceled or delayed thousands of flights.

Forecasters received more than 900 reports of wind damage from Monday’s storms. Nearly 300 of those reports of building damage or downed powerlines and trees came from North Carolina and South Carolina, according to the Storm Prediction Center.

A spokesperson for Baltimore Gas and Electric, Maryland’s largest power utility, called the destruction “catastrophic.”