9300 Without Power In Baltimore During Windstorm

BALTIMORE, MD – Public schools in Baltimore City are closed on Friday, March 2, officials announced Friday morning. After-school activities, including high school athletic practices and games, are canceled.

Government offices in the state of Maryland are on liberal leave.

MARC train service has been suspended due to the weather conditions on Friday, March 2.

Officials said that widespread power outages had been reported, and travel is dangerous for both high-profile vehicles and pedestrians, who should be aware of flying objects.

More than 9,300 BGE customers in Baltimore were reporting outages Friday morning after 9:45 a.m. Report an outage online. If you see a fallen power line, call BGE at 1-800-685-0123 and move away from the area.

Downed trees have been found on Greenspring Avenue at Druid Park Drive near Woodberry and Liberty Road at Offutt Road in the Randallstown area, Fox 45 reported after 9 a.m.

Traffic signals on Light Street and Conway in downtown Baltimore are not working, according to Fox 45.

A large pine tree fell on two cars on southbound Walther Avenue Friday, sending two drivers to the hospital as a precaution with minor injuries, WJZ reported.

A mix of rain and snow showers is in the forecast before 10 a.m., with winds in the upper 30 mph range. A high wind warning is in effect until 6 a.m. on Saturday, March 3.

Wind gusts of 52 mph were recorded at BWI, the National Weather Service advised after 7 a.m. Weather officials said gusts could reach up to 80 mph west of Interstate 95.

"This will be a prolonged, high-impact windstorm for the region, with many downed trees and power lines expected. In addition to the magnitude of the high wind gusts, the duration of the winds will add to the hazardous nature of this event, as winds will continue through the weekend before diminishing below 30 mph
Sunday afternoon," the National Weather Service said in a special statement. "This will hamper the repair of power lines and tree removal."

In addition to Baltimore, schools in Calvert, Carroll, Charles, Frederick, Howard, Garrett, Montgomery, Prince George's counties and Baltimore City are closed on Friday. Schools in Cecil County are dismissing early.

"People should avoid being outside in forested areas and around trees and branches," the National Weather Service said. "If possible, remain in the lower levels of your homes during the windstorm, and avoid windows. If you use a portable generator, follow manufacturer`s instructions and do not use inside homes, garages or apartments."

Image via Shutterstock.