Two dead and 1.1 million without power in eastern US storms

Storm clouds darken the sky over the Washington Monument (Jacquelyn Martin/AP)

At least two people died, thousands of flights were cancelled or delayed, and more than 1.1 million homes and businesses lost power on Monday as severe storms moved through the eastern US.

The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a tornado watch for the greater DC area, lasting until 9pm local time.