Residents Encouraged To Seek Shelter During High Wind Warning

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — While Howard County remains under an extreme cold warning this weekend, there also will be a high wind warning in effect. Residents are asked to seek shelter in the lower level of their homes at that time, since the storm can bring wind gusts of up to 60 mph, officials said.

The extreme cold warning takes effect at 4 a.m. Saturday and lasts through 10 a.m. Sunday. The U.S. National Weather Service Baltimore/Washington also has issued the high wind warning for Saturday from 4 a.m. 7 p.m. as an Artic front makes its way across the region, bringing with it dangerous northwest winds of 20 to 30 miles per hour, with gusts up to 60 mph expected.

"These damaging winds will blow down trees and power lines. If possible, residents should remain in the lower level of their home and avoid windows during this windstorm event. Also, if you must go outside, watch for falling debris and tree limbs and if you must travel, please caution as travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles," the county stated. "Remember, if you come across a fallen tree in the roadway that is impeding the flow of traffic, call 9-1-1. The same goes for downed power lines. If you see a downed power line, sparking or not, leave the area immediately and then call 9-1-1."

To report a power outage to MyBGE, call 1-877-778-2222, text OUT to 69242, or visit bge.com/outage. For Potomac Edison customers, to report an outage call 1-888-LIGHTSS, text OUT to 544487, or visit https://www.firstenergycorp.com/outages_help.html.

Howard County Office of Emergency Management reminds residents to make sure emergency alerts are activated on mobile devices (www.ready.gov/alerts).

• Cover your head. You lose as much as 50 percent of your body heat through your head.
• Wear several layers of lightweight, loose-fitting clothing. The air between the layers acts as insulation to keep you warmer.
• Cover your mouth with a scarf to protect lungs from direct cold air. Cover your ears and the lower part of your face.
• Wear mittens rather than fingered gloves. The close contact of fingers helps keep your hands warm.

Anyone in need of shelter from the cold should contact Grassroots Crisis Intervention's hotline at (410) 531-6677 for assistance or go to its Crisis Center at 8990 Old Annapolis Road, Suite A in Columbia.