Mass power outages hit DC metro area after storms

WASHINGTON (AP) - Massive power outages hit the nation's capital and surrounding areas Sunday night after powerful storms barreled through and downed power lines and countless trees, including one that fell on a minivan and killed a woman.

The storms cooled things off but left widespread damage, authorities said. Pepco reported more than 262,200 customers were still without power early Monday in Montgomery County, Prince George's County and D.C. Because of such widespread damage, there was no timetable for most places to be back on line, Pepco spokesman Clay Anderson said.

Not only were power lines down but electric poles were broken and numerous transformers were damaged, he said.

Prince George's County fire spokesman Mark Brady said two women were in the minivan in Beltsville when it was crushed by a tree. A woman in her 40s was killed and a woman in her 60s was injured.

Baltimore Gas & Electric, meanwhile, said about 43,460 customers were without service early Monday. As of late Sunday, Dominion Virginia Power reported that 38,000 customers were without power.

Transportation officials said numerous traffic signals were out throughout the region including some along major routes.

The National Weather Service said a strong cold front pushed through the area, causing all the damage. Besides downed trees and power lines, roofs lifted off some buildings from the gusts of wind. The area also was drenched with heavy rain.

The storm seemed to take those marching downtown in the Boy Scouts of America Grand Centennial Parade by surprise. The Washington Post reported that some scouts were running through the wind and rain, kerchiefs and caps flying.

Before the storm, the area had been suffering in oppressive heat for almost two weeks with temperatures in the high 90s.