Washington, DC – A high wind warning remains in effect for all of Southern Maryland until 6 a.m. Saturday, March 3. Winds will be northwest 25 to 40 mph with gusts around 60 to 70 mph. The strongest winds are expected to occur Friday morning. Impacts include damaging winds possibly blowing down trees and power lines. Widespread power outages are expected. Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles.
A high wind warning means a hazardous high wind event is expected or occurring. Sustained wind speeds of at least 40 mph or gusts of 58 mph or more can lead to property damage.
Governor Hogan Urges Marylanders to Prepare for Extreme Winds Beginning Friday Morning
Dangerous Conditions Outdoors and Power Outages Possible
REISTERSTOWN, MD – The storm system that will affect the entire state of Maryland beginning Thursday evening is expected to bring extreme wind and rain across Maryland. The most dangerous conditions are forecast to begin by 6 a.m. Friday morning, with gusty winds continuing throughout the weekend.
“I urge all Marylanders to take this severe weather very seriously and prepare now,” said Governor Larry Hogan. “These wind speeds have the potential of causing power outages and creating hazardous conditions for travel and being outdoors starting Friday morning. Be sure to check on your family, friends, and neighbors so that we all are prepared for this rare and potentially very dangerous weather event.”
Wind gusts of up to 70 or more miles per hour are forecast for tomorrow morning and will push through into the weekend according the National Weather Service. The Maryland Emergency Management Agency continues to actively monitor this storm and coordinate with state and local partners to ensure readiness.
“Residents need to prepare for this system now. These forecasted wind gusts are very serious,” said MEMA Executive Director Russ Strickland. “Take the time now to go out and secure all loose objects outside that could blow away. Keep devices fully charged, before the wind starts blowing, in case the power goes. If at all possible, do not go out during the height of the storm.”
In addition to the high winds, accumulating snow is possible in western Maryland Thursday night into Friday. Other parts of western and central Maryland can expect some frozen precipitation to mix with the rain for part of the storm, but the wind is expected to present the greatest danger. Additionally, tidal flooding is possible along the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean on both Friday and Saturday. The National Weather Service is also predicting severe beach erosion for areas of the Eastern Shore and dangerous marine conditions.
Residents can take the following actions to prepare for high winds and related hazards:
Check on relatives, neighbors, and friends if possible, especially those who might be seriously affected by a power outage.
Avoid traveling early in the morning during the height of the storm. Let family and friends know of your destination, route, and expected arrival time.
Know how to contact your electric supplier if the power goes out. For a list of power company contacts or to keep track of outages in Maryland, visit mema.maryland.gov. Put their phone number in your contact list and save it.
Power Outages can be monitored here:
If you use a generator during a power outage, make sure to follow all safety recommendations and never run a generator inside a building or near windows and vents.
Make sure not to leave pets outside during the storm.
Previous report
LA PLATA, MD – A high wind warning is in effect for Charles County beginning tonight, March 1 at midnight to 6 a.m. on Saturday, March 3. Damaging winds are likely, which may result in widespread wind damage and power outages. Charles County is forecast to experience winds between 25 to 35 mph sustained with gusts as high as 70 mph.
Residents are urged to make preparations now and asked to stay indoors during the high wind warning to avoid hazardous situations on the roads and around buildings, telephone poles, and trees. Before the high wind warning, remember to secure or move indoors any lightweight items from patios or balconies, as well as remove any dead trees or overhanging branches near structures and loose roofing materials.
A high wind warning means that there are sustained winds from 40 to 73 mph for at least an hour, or gusts of 58 mph or higher. High winds can cause downed trees and power outages.
During a high wind warning, remember to:
Avoid staying in light or poorly constructed structures that may blow down or collapse. Stay away from fallen power lines. Avoid driving. If you must drive, keep both hands on the wheel, drive slowly, and watch for objects blowing across the roadway and into your path.
Severe weather notices are posted online at www.CharlesCountyMD.gov, www.facebook.com/CharlesCounty, and www.twitter.com/CharlesCoMD. Weather updates are also aired on CCGTV, which broadcasts on Comcast channel 95 and Verizon channel 10. Sign up for the Citizen Notification System at www.CharlesCountyMD.gov/CNS to receive inclement weather and traffic alerts by text message, email, or phone. For information on power outages, view the SMECO outage map at stormcenter.smeco.coop. Call 877-747-6326 to report a power outage. Call 9-1-1 in the event of an emergency.