2 dead after severe weather tears across Northeast downing trees, knocking out power [Video]

NEW YORK – At least two people were killed on Wednesday night when a line of powerful thunderstorms barreled across the Northeast, knocking out power to hundreds of thousands of utility customers and impacting numerous flights at some of the nation’s busiest airports just as Americans prepare to travel ahead of the busy Fourth of July holiday.

Officials in Connecticut said a pedestrian was killed in the city of Willimantic on Wednesday night when powerful thunderstorms blasted across the state.

According to Willimantic Fire Chief Marc Scrivener, firefighters were called to the 100 block of Union Street around 10:40 p.m. ET after receiving word that someone was trapped under a tree that fell during the severe weather.

Scrivener said it took between 10 and 15 minutes to stabilize the fallen tree to get to the victim.

The victim, who hasn’t been identified, was pronounced dead at the scene.

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