High Winds Could Cause Power Outages Friday

Anticipated wind gusts of 40 miles per hour or more could cause power outages throughout the area Friday, according to a release by Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE). 

The National Weather Service is calling for a chance of thunderstorms after 1 p.m. with winds reaching as high as 40 miles per hour. Rainfall isn’t expected to be heavy but the wind could cause the greatest damage when it comes to electricity for south county residents.

“The impending weather system, anticipated to bring wind speeds of up to 30 miles per hour … with occasional gusts as high as 60 miles per hour, could very likely cause tree and tree limbs to fall onto power lines and other electrical delivery equipment,” according to the BGE release.

BGE Senior Vice President Jeannette Mills said in the release that the major electrical provider has already increased its number of field personnel in anticipation of the potential storm. She also said that due to the nature of high wind speeds, restoring electricity could be delayed.

“For safety reasons, however, work involving bucket trucks could be delayed until the high wind dies down, which may extend restoration times,” Mills said in the release.

Just last week, downed power lines after the weekend’s heavy winds.  For many, electricity was restored quickly, but the outage caused a tricky scenario for public schools.

On Feb. 13, children attended schools without power for the early parts of the morning until electricity was restored around 10:30 a.m.

BGE recommends that residents prepare for outages by gathering the following items:

• Flashlights—not candles
• Fresh batteries
• Battery operated clock radio
• Corded telephone
• Fully charged cell phone
• Non-perishable foods
• Blankets
• Customers also should consider filling the fuel tanks of their vehicles in the event of a power outage.

BGE customers can also get updates and outages by following the major electrical provider's Facebook and Twitter accounts. 

Residents can consult the BGE power outage map for Anne Arundel County to track the restoration process.