Up To 55 MPH Wind Gusts Possible, Wind Advisories Issued In MD

MARYLAND — Strong winds are expected Friday across the state, prompting the National Weather Service to issue wind advisories for parts of Maryland. Wind gusts could be up to 55 mph.

Tree limbs may blow down, and power outages are possible.

A tree was blocking the train tracks near Savage, the Maryland Transit Administration reported before 9 a.m. As a result, officials said the MARC Camden Line Train 851, which leaves Camden at 8:05 a.m., is delayed 15 to 20 minutes.

Due to strong winds, the Maryland Transportation Authority placed the Bay Bridge under limited wind restrictions. They were lifted at 9:50 a.m.

The Key Bridge on Interstate 695 is under wind warnings, issued when winds are 30 to 39 mph. Use extra caution during wind warnings when driving house trailers, box trailers, motorcycles, vehicles with cargo on roof racks and any other vehicles subject to high winds.

Anne Arundel, Calvert, Charles, Montgomery, Prince George's and St. Mary's counties are under a wind advisory from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. calling for 20 to 30 mph winds with gusts from 50 to 55 mph.

Baltimore, Carroll, Frederick, Harford and Howard counties are also under a wind advisory calling for 20 to 30 mph winds with up to 55 mph gusts. That wind advisory is in effect from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Cecil County is under a separate wind advisory from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. for 20 to 30 mph winds with gusts up to 50 mph. Officials advised there may be a surge of strong winds from 9 a.m. to noon and a secondary surge from 1 to 4 p.m.

During a wind advisory, people should ensure outdoor objects are secured, and those driving high-profile vehicles should be extra careful. Using two hands on the steering wheel is advised.

A gale warning is in effect until 6 p.m. for the tidal Potomac River as well as the Maryland part of the Chesapeake Bay and its adjoining estuaries.

PREVIOUS ALERT (EXPIRED) — Foggy and windy conditions are possible Friday morning in northern and central Maryland, according to the National Weather Service. The agency issued two advisories alerting people to use extra caution.

A dense fog advisory is in effect until 8 a.m. for Baltimore, Carroll, Frederick, Harford and Howard counties. In these areas, visibility is expected to be about one-quarter mile.

During periods of dense fog, officials advised drivers to use their headlights, reduce speeds and leave extra distance between vehicles to stay safe.

Cecil County Public Schools will open two hours late due to heavy fog, school officials announced Friday morning. The preschool schedule will be modified, with morning session from 11 a.m. to 12:50 p.m. and afternoon from 1:50 to 3:30 p.m., officials said.

The National Weather Service issued a special weather statement that applies to Cecil County calling for visibility below one half mile because of fog, which officials said is expected to dissipate by mid-morning as winds increase.

"A line of gusty showers with locally damaging wind gusts are possible through 9 a.m. this morning across northern and central Virginia as well as central Maryland," the National Weather Service advised in a hazardous weather outlook issued after 6 a.m.

The Maryland Transportation Authority placed the Bay Bridge under limited wind restrictions, meaning wind speeds are 40 to 40 mph and house trailers and empty box trailers are prohibited from traveling the bridge. Drivers denied passage will be given assistance with turning around.

Anne Arundel, Calvert, Charles, Montgomery, Prince George's and St. Mary's counties are under a wind advisory from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. calling for 20 to 30 mph winds with gusts from 50 to 55 mph. Tree limbs may blow down, and power outages are possible.

A wind advisory is in effect from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. for Baltimore, Carroll, Frederick, Harford and Howard counties also calling for gusts up to 55 mph.

People should ensure outdoor objects are secured, and those driving high-profile vehicles should be extra careful, according to the wind advisory. Using two hands on the steering wheel is advised.