2 killed, 1.1mn without power as storm hits US

At least two people died, thousands of US flights were cancelled or delayed, and more than 1.1 million homes and businesses lost power on Monday as severe storms, including hail and lightning, moved through the eastern US.

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The National Weather Service issued a tornado watch for the greater DC area, lasting until 9pm local time.

A special Weather Service statement warned, "There is a significant threat for damaging and locally destructive hurricane-force winds, along with the potential for large hail and tornadoes, even strong tornadoes." The storms' spread was massive, with tornado watches and warnings posted across 10 states from Tennessee to New York.

The National Weather Service said more than 29.5 million people were under a tornado watch on Monday afternoon.

In Anderson, South Carolina, a 15-year-old boy who arrived at his grandparent's house during the storm was struck and killed when a tree fell on him as he got out of a car, according to the Anderson County Office of the Coroner. In Florence, Alabama, police said a 28-year-old man was struck by lightning and died, WAAY-TV reported.