Wind Warnings Issued For 4 Maryland Bridges

ANNAPOLIS, MD — Wind warnings are in effect for the Bay, Hatem, Tydings and Key bridges on Friday, Feb. 2, according to the Maryland Transportation Authority. During high winds, drivers of certain vehicles may want to take extra care while crossing the bridges.

Winds of 30 to 39 mph trigger wind warnings, transportation officials say. Drivers of the following vehicles should use extra caution while crossing bridges during a wind warning: house trailers, box trailers, motorcycles, vehicles with roof-mount racks containing cargo or any other vehicle that may be subject to high winds.

Currently, the high winds will likely prevent officials from implementing two-way operations (during which one lane of eastbound traffic is directed to the westbound span) on the Bay Bridge. Drivers may experience delays during Friday afternoon's rush-hour period. Officials will continue to monitor weather conditions and will implement two-way operations if possible.

The wind warnings were issued after 7 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 2, for all four bridges. The National Weather Service says Friday will remain breezy, with a northwest wind 17 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 32 mph. Overnight, the northwest wind should slow to 5 to 11 mph.

State transportation officials urge drivers to keep both hands on the wheel and slow down during periods of strong winds.

Check traffic conditions before you hit the road to cross the Bay Bridge:

• Call 1-877-BAYSPAN (229-7726) for 24/7 Bay Bridge traffic conditions.
• Visit baybridge.com to view traffic cameras and to sign up for email alerts.
• Follow the MDTA at twitter.com/TheMDTA and facebook.com/TheMDTA.
• Ease your travel with E-ZPass. Visit ezpassmd.com to enroll online and for a list of E-ZPass "On the Go" retail locations.
• Know Before You Go - To view traffic cameras on MDTA roadways, visit mdta.maryland.gov. Call 511 or visit MD511.org for statewide travel information.

Photo courtesy of Maryland Department of Transportation