Heavy Winds and Gusts Keep Emergency Workers Busy

UPDATE (8:17 p.m.) — Because of high winds today, travelers tonight should check news, weather and traffic reports before heading out, the Maryland Emergency Management Agency advises.

"Be prepared and use caution this evening as high winds are resulting in numerous power outages, downed electrical wires, and closed roadways," a MEMA news release states, announcing it has issued an Emergency Preparedness Advisory. "If possible, delay your travel to give State Highway crews time to clear roadways and for traffic lights that may not be functioning due to power outages, to be restored."

This afternoon, Baltimore County Police Precinct 4/Pikesville had been dealing with downed trees and utility poles as the high winds and gusts blew through the area.

At 4:40 p.m., police were active on only two wind-emergency calls, but had handled 15 so far today, said Officer Tilton. Most calls were for downed trees, another officer said.

Details on calls were being compiled and were not available, Tilton said.

A BGE news release, issued at 4:34 p.m., stated the counties hit hardest by winds were Baltimore, Harford and Anne Arundel. And Baltimore City got the worst so far, with 60 mph gusts.

The National Weather Service had a High Winds Warning in effect through 7 p.m. tonight.

Tilton said residents who see downed utility poles and power lines should call BGE directly, say what is down and where it is. That's what police do when they come out—call BGE and, give them the pole number, he said.

At 5:57 p.m., a message on BGE's website directs customers who are experiencing a power outage, to call 1-877-778-2222.

At that time, BGE had 44,319 customers out of power throughout its service area. Another 39,575 had been without power, but their power has already been restored, according to BGE.

Showers, then wind

At about 11:30 a.m. today, dark rain clouds hovered over Pikesville and the Pikesville area. At about 11:30 a.m., clouds burst into a rain shower.

After about 20 minutes, the sun and clouds provided some amazing light displays, but brought wind as well—wind that gusts at times and is heavy otherwise.

According to BGE, "The high wind caused tree and tree branches to fall onto electric power lines and other electric delivery equipment, resulting in electric service interruptions.

"More than 800 BGE and contract employees are actively engaged in the restoration effort and will work  around-the-clock to ensure service to all customers is restored as safely and as quickly as possible.

"BGE reminds customers that new outages are very likely as strong wind continues to affect BGE’s Central Maryland service area today and tomorrow."

• Click here for a general idea of the locations of power outages
• For more information about BGE storm preparation and to protect families and property, visit www.bge.com
• Customers are reminded to stay informed on restoration efforts via www.bge.com, Twitter, Facebook and Flickr

MEMA advice

• Report any emergency by dialing 911.
• Allow extra travel time as downed trees and wires may be blocking roads
• If you drive a high profile vehicle (vans, etc.) be aware of the increased effect of winds
• Check your route in case there are wind restriction on bridges
• If power goes out in your community, check on your neighbors to make sure they are OK
• If you use a generator in a power outage, make sure it is properly vented and kept away from the house
• If you are using a chain saw to remove downed trees, practice chain saw safety. If you are not experienced in the use of a chain saw, have someone else do the job.
• For more information on preparedness, visit www.mema.state.md.us.

BGE advice

Just as BGE prepares for severe weather and the possibility of power outages, customers should also be prepared and take steps to ensure the safety of their families and property during electric service interruptions. Customers should keep the following items readily available:

•        Flashlights—not candles
•        Fresh batteries
•        Battery-operated clock radio
•        Corded telephone
•        Fully charged cell phone
•        Non-perishable foods
•        Blankets

Customers with special needs, such as those who may be elderly, handicapped or dependent on electricity for medical equipment, should have alternate arrangements in place should they experience an extended power outage.

Customers using a generator or space heater should follow manufacturer instructions and be sure to locate generators in well-ventilated areas.

Customers also should consider filling their vehicles' fuel tanks in case a power outage affects service to gas stations. For customers who rely on well water, filling a bathtub with water in advance of severe weather is strongly encouraged. 

BGE's restoration priorities are public safety issues and critical facilities, such as 911 centers, hospitals and pumping stations. Then restoration is generally scheduled so that the greatest number of customers can be restored as quickly and as safely as possible. However, in cases of extended power outages, consideration is also given to customers who have been without service for the longest.