45 MPH Wind Gusts Possible Friday In MD: National Weather Service

MARYLAND — Wind gusts of 45 mph are possible Friday afternoon in Maryland, according to the National Weather Service, which issued a special weather statement to alert people.

Baltimore, Carroll, Cecil, Frederick, Harford, Howard, Montgomery and Washington counties may be affected by the strong winds, according to the National Weather Service. Western Maryland is under a wind advisory.

While the highest gusts will be near the Catoctin Mountains, officials said tree and power line damage may be scattered across central and northern Maryland.

With winds expected to pick up this afternoon, the Maryland Transportation Authority advised drivers that wind warnings may disrupt two-way operations at the Bay Bridge during the Friday afternoon rush hour. For the latest on the conditions, drivers can call 1-877-BAYSPAN.

This week, residents in Anne Arundel and Baltimore counties were killed by falling trees amid high winds.

A woman died Tuesday in Crofton when a tree fell on her house while winds were 40 mph, officials said. A man was killed in Owings Mills Saturday when a tree, toppled by high winds, fell across the road onto his vehicle, according to police.

Given the recent bout of freezing rain over the last day and the potential for residual ice, officials said a few power outages could occur during Friday's high winds.

These towns in particular may be impacted by powerful gusts, according to the National Weather Service: Aberdeen, Ballenger Creek, Baltimore, Cockeysville, Columbia, Damascus, Eldersburg, Elkton, Ellicott City, Frederick, Germantown, Hagerstown, Jarrettsville, Lisbon, Reisterstown and Westminster.

Downed trees, power outages and falling branches are also likely in Allegany and Garrett counties, which are under a wind advisory until 7 p.m. Friday calling for 20 to 35 mph winds with gusts up to 55 mph.

Extreme western Allegany and Garrett counties are under the advisory, and people in these areas should prepare for power outages, particularly due to the added stress of ice-laden trees and power lines. The advisory says to secure items outside and be careful driving high-profile vehicles.

A gale warning is in effect until 6 p.m. Friday for Maryland waters, while a small craft advisory runs from 6 p.m. Friday until 6 a.m. Saturday.

Here is the latest forecast from the National Weather Service.

See Also:

• Woman Dead After Tree Falls, Damages Home In Crofton: Officials
• Tree Kills Randallstown Man: Police