Heat-fueled storms knock out power across NC, SC

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Intense storms fueled by temperatures exceeding 100 degrees for a third straight day are leaving thousands in North Carolina without power, or access to air conditioning.

Progress Energy Jessica Lambert says Sunday’s storms knocked out power to more than 60,000 customers in the company’s service area North Carolina and South Carolina.

More than 16,000 customers in North Carolina were without power in Wake, Person and nearby counties. Witnesses said a storm that passed through Cumberland County dropped hail as large as golf balls.

In South Carolina, the Pickens County Coroner plans an autopsy on Monday to find out whether the high heat killed an 84-year-old resident at a nursing home.