Kingsville Woman Killed By Tree Branch: Official

KINGSVILLE, MD – A 77-year-old woman was killed in Kingsville by a falling tree branch Friday afternoon, according to public safety officials. She was outside her home getting her mail when the accident happened.

At 12:38 p.m., crews were dispatched to the 11000 block of Cedar Lane for a report of a person pinned, according to Emergency Medical Services Captain Tim Rostkowski.

"She walked out to check the mail, and as she did that, a tree branch fell on top of her," Rostkowski told Patch.

Emergency medical providers pronounced the woman deceased at the scene. Her identity has not been released.

The Baltimore County woman was one of at least five people who died in the winter storm, according to ABC.

Other fatalities were in Virginia, Connecticut, New York and Rhode Island.

In the cases out of Virginia and New York, a 6-year-old and 11-year-old boy died, respectively, when trees fell on their homes. In Connecticut, a person died when a tree fell on a vehicle. And in Rhode Island, a 72-year-old civic leader reportedly died when he was pinned under a tree.

Four or five cases were reported Friday in which trees fell on people's properties in Baltimore County, according to Rostkowski. They were in Lutherville and northwestern Baltimore County (in the Upperco and Glyndon areas), he said, and a porch collapsed in Essex as well.

"This is the only weather-related injury that we’re aware of," he said, of the woman who did not survive in Kingsville.

"We have seen an increase in calls for trees, branches and wires down probably since the 11 a.m. hour," he said. Strong winds were expected to continue through the afternoon into the middle of the evening.

"So we still have a ways to go," Rostkowski told Patch at approximately 1:45 p.m. "If folks can stay inside, that's probably a better place for them as opposed to staying outside."

He advised taking stock of things in the yard, making sure that items have been secured and keeping an eye on older trees that could pose a hazard.

A high wind warning is in effect for the Baltimore-Washington region until 6 a.m. on Saturday, March 3. Sustained winds will be 25 to 40 mph, with gusts from 55 to 65 mph. During the warning period, authorities have cautioned people about dangerous driving conditions, flying projectiles and potential power outages.

"If possible, remain in the lower levels of your homes during the windstorm, and avoid windows," the National Weather Service advised.

Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan declared a state of emergency on Friday evening to allow Maryland agencies to coordinate resources to support impacted citizens.

“I want to caution all Marylanders that these dangerously strong winds will continue this evening and into tomorrow," Hogan said on Friday. "We are continuing to see a number of serious accidents on bridges and roadways, and power outages throughout the state. Please use common sense, heed all warnings, and stay inside and off the roads if possible.”

SEE ALSO: Weather Closings In Baltimore County On March 2

Image via Shutterstock. Graphic by Patch.