Millions across the mid-Atlantic region are sweltering in the aftermath of violent storms that pummeled the East with high winds and downed trees last night.

The storms are being blamed for the deaths of at least 13 people and leaving 3 million without power during a triple-digit heat wave.

Power officials say the outages won't be repaired for several days to a week, likening the damage to a serious hurricane. Emergencies have been declared in Maryland, West Virginia, Ohio, the District of Columbia and Virginia.

Cell phone and Internet service is spotty, gas stations are shut down and residents are being urged to conserve water until sewage plants return to power.

The outages are especially dangerous because they've left the region without air conditioning in an oppressive heat. Temperatures have been at or near 100 today.