Thousands without power after severe weather kills 2, disrupts thousands of flights

Numerous areas were battered by violent thunderstorms and tornadoes, which damaged homes and knocked out power.

Associated: Alaska glacier dam damage

During a live briefing, Chris Strong of the National Weather Service said, "This does look to be one of the most impactful severe weather events across the Mid-Atlantic that we have had in some time."

According to the National Weather Service and the Washington Post's Capital Weather Gang, a severe weather outbreak with a rare Level 4 out of 5 rating is striking the Washington, D.C., area, bringing thunderstorms, turbulent downpour, and gusty gusts.