Community Corner

Storms and Severe Winds Expected for Friday Commute

The National Weather Service says Central Maryland could see thunderstorms and severe winds today.

The muggy temperatures won't be the only weather problem today, as the National Weather Service issued a hazardous weather outlook calling for thunderstorms and potentially sever wind this afternoon and early evening.

NWS issued the forecast for areas as far east as Howard County, to Allegany County and parts of eastern West Virginia. No hazardous weather is expected for this weekend, according to NWS, and temperatures are expected to peak in the upper eighties.

Baltimore Gas and Electric announced it has more than 500 employees and contractors in central Maryland prepared to respond to fallen power lines and other electrical problems as a result of storm activity.

BGE recommends households have the following items on hand in case of a power outage:

  • Flashlights – not candles
  • Fresh batteries
  • Battery operated clock radio
  • Corded telephone
  • Fully charged cell phone
  • Non-perishable foods


With the temperatures in the lower 90s, BGE also recommends following these steps to prevent heat exhaustion or heat-related illness:

  • Stay hydrated – drink plenty of water
  • Consider going to a cool place such as a movie theater, mall or pool
  • Relax in the basement where the temperature is typically several degrees cooler than the rest of the house
  • Use a microwave instead of the stove or oven 
  • Avoid using other heat-producing appliances such as dishwashers and clothes dryers
  • Draw blinds and curtains in rooms that receive a lot of sunlight
  • Turn ceiling fan on with blades rotating counter clockwise
  • Closing curtains and blinds to keep the sun outside
  • Setting thermostats at 78 degrees or higher if health allows
  • Delaying use of major, heat generating household appliances such as ovens, stoves, dishwashers and dryers until after 9 p.m. when the temperature begins to drop 
  • Turning off non-essential appliances, electronics and other devices

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