WASHINGTON: Government offices in Washington DC have been instructed to close earlier than usual on Monday due to inclement weather. Businesses in the eastern United States have also shut down due to the potential for severe storms and hail.

Over two hundred thousand homes and businesses were severely damaged in Maryland and Virginia due to strong winds and lightning. Additionally, more than eight hundred thousand customers were left without power in the Atlantic states and the southern part of the United States. Fortunately, no major issues were reported in the capital.

According to the National Weather Service, approximately 29.5 million people from Alabama to western New York were impacted by Monday's storm. In the aftermath of heavy rainfall, the Federal Aviation Administration suspended flight services from airports such as New York, Washington, Philadelphia and Atlanta.

Museums, libraries, pools and the National Zoo have also been directed to cease operations. Management has advised workers to vacate the premises after three o'clock. A total of over 2,600 US flights were cancelled including 102 flights from Washington airports. 7700 US flights are delayed due to the intense rain.