Heat and severe storms damper July Fourth celebrations, leave thousands without power

The United States' 250th Independence Day celebrations were significantly dampened by a combination of a severe heat wave and violent storms across multiple regions. The extreme weather left hundreds of thousands of utility customers without electricity and forced numerous cities to alter or cancel holiday festivities.

In the Northeast, parts of the country experienced record-setting temperatures. Central Park in New York City reached a sweltering 98 degrees Fahrenheit on Friday, while Atlantic City, New Jersey, recorded its highest July temperature at 105 degrees. These high temperatures fueled powerful thunderstorms, particularly in the Midwest and Northeast, generating wind gusts up to 70 mph. These storms downed trees, ruptured power lines, and made travel hazardous.

The widespread power outages affected approximately 750,000 utility customers by Saturday afternoon in states including Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Ohio, New York, and New Jersey. In response, hundreds of utility crew members from 12 states and Canada were mobilized to assist with restoration efforts in Michigan.

Holiday events, including fireworks displays and parades, were canceled or postponed in several cities. Belleville, New Jersey, rescheduled its fireworks for the following year, with Mayor Frank Velez stating that public safety was the priority. Annapolis, Maryland, altered its Fourth of July celebrations, canceling its parade and a performance by the Naval Academy Electric Brigade band due to expected thunderstorms and extreme heat. Philadelphia also canceled its Salute to Independence Parade on Friday due to the extreme heat, and one elderly woman required hospitalization for a heat-related emergency at a Saturday event.

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While we're disappointed we couldn't celebrate together tonight, your safety will always come first.