Ship Breaks Free At Dundalk Marine Terminal; BGE Working to Restore Power

(Update 3:30 p.m. Saturday) Powerful winds created emergencies across the Baltimore area today, including causing a 1,000-foot-long ship to break free from the Dundalk Marine Terminal, ABC2News.com reported just before 4 p.m. Friday.

The barge, the Atlantic Companion, is a Swedish cargo ship that's currently carrying cars, among other items, ABC2news reported.

Shortly after 2 p.m. Friday, high winds caused the barge to break off the mooring, leaving the ship floating into the canal.

U.S. Coast tug boats gained control of the vessel and worked to bring the barge back into dock.

The high winds Friday, reaching 60 mph in some areas of eastern Baltimore County, forced the Maryland Port Authority to shut down Seagirt Marine Terminal, according to the Baltimore Sun.

A High Wind Warning, issued by the National Weather Service, will remain in effect until 7 p.m. Wind gusts could reach close to mph in the eastern Baltimore County area, the NWS reported.

Officials at the State Highway Administration encouraged drivers to use caution while traveling in strong winds. Updated road conditions can be found on the Maryland Coordinated Highways Action Response Team website. 

Strong winds damaged power lines across Baltimore County, knocking out power to more than 20,000 homes and businesses, according to the BGE Current Power Outages map. 

Currently, more than 2,000 homes remain without power in Baltimore County.

BGE announced Saturday that it's electric system sustained widespread damage during yesterday’s windstorm, in excess of what the utility experienced during last month’s heavy, wet snow. More than 320 out-of-state personnel have joined BGE employees in this week’s storm restoration efforts.

As part of existing mutual assistance agreements, linemen and support staff from New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Virginia are assisting BGE in this restoration effort. Moist ground, combined with strong winds, could cause trees to fall on power lines, according to an official company statement.

Additional staffers are assisting in power restoration, A. Christopher Burton, a BGE senior vice president, said in the statement.

BGE encourages customers to keep the following items readily available in case of a power outage:

       Flashlights, not candles

       Fresh batteries

       Battery operated clock radio

       Corded telephone

       Fully charged cell phone

       Non-perishable foods

       Blankets

Officials also recommend that customers keep full tanks of fuel in their vehicles. Those who rely on well water are also advised to fill a bathtub with water in advance of severe storms.

Customers should stay away from downed power lines and report them immediately by calling 1-410-685-0123. Power outages should be reported by calling BGE’s automated system at 1-877-778-2222. More information about BGE storm preparation and how customers can protect their families and property, can be found at www.bge.com.