38K In Baltimore County Without Power After Severe Storm

BALTIMORE COUNTY, MD — A severe thunderstorm rolled through Baltimore County Tuesday evening, bringing down trees and knocking out power.

"Many roadways are impassable in Baltimore County tonight," the Baltimore County Police Department reported after 8 p.m.

For non-emergency police calls, authorities directed people to call 410-307-2020 rather than 911.

After 8 p.m., BGE was reporting more than 38,000 customers were without power in Baltimore County.

The utility company was not the only agency impacted.

"911 is experiencing a large volume of calls," Baltimore County government officials said through an alert system Tuesday night.

Those who have nonemergency calls should dial 410-887-2222, and they can call 410-887-2961 for downed wires and trees that are not arcing.

Before the storm, the National Weather Service issued a severe thunderstorm warning. A severe thunderstorm near Cockeysville prompted the warning. It was moving east at 50 mph, officials reported before 5 p.m., based on radar. Hazards associated with the storm included 60 mph wind gusts and quarter-sized hail, authorities said.

The severe thunderstorm warning ran until 5:45 p.m. on Tuesday for these areas:

• East-central Baltimore County
• Harford County
• Cecil County
• Northeastern Baltimore City

During the severe thunderstorm warning period, people were advised to go inside to an interior room on the lowest floor to stay safe. Wind may cause trees and large branches to fall, injuring people outside and damaging homes and vehicles. Roads could become blocked by fallen trees, and power outages are possible, officials said.

These areas may be impacted, according to the National Weather Service: Middle River, Elkton, Aberdeen, Havre De Grace, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Calvert, Bel Air South, Parkville, Bel Air North, Carney, Perry Hall, Rossville, White Marsh, Fallston, Bowleys Quarters, Riverside, Hampton, Kingsville, North East and Pleasant Hills.

A severe thunderstorm watch is in effect until 10 p.m., and a flood watch is in effect until midnight.