Maryland is About to Get Slammed With 55 MPH Winds

The US National Weather Service Baltimore/Washington issued a wind advisory for from 9 a.m. December 29 to 1 a.m. December 30.

What’s Happening: A strong cold front will pass through the advisory area today, bringing west winds of 20 to 30 miles per hour and gusts up to 55 miles per hour, along with rapidly falling temperatures, according to the National Weather Service. Wind gusts of 45 to 55 miles per hour are expected in the advisory area and 60 to 65 miles per hour in the warned area, especially Sunday afternoon and evening, according to the National Weather Service.

What’s Important: The high wind gusts could down trees, tree limbs and power lines, according to Howard County Government. Winds this strong can make driving difficult, especially for high profile vehicles, according to Howard County Government.

How This Affects Real People: Residents who come across a fallen tree blocking traffic should call 911, according to Howard County Government. Residents who see a downed power line, sparking or not, should leave the area immediately and call 911. MyBGE customers can report a power outage by calling 1-877-778-2222, visiting bge.com/outage or texting OUT to 69243. Potomac Edison customers can report an outage by calling 1-888-LIGHTSS, visiting firstenergycorp.com/outages or texting OUT to 544487.

The Big Picture: A winter weather advisory is in effect through Tuesday morning in other parts of the region, according to the National Weather Service. Snow and blowing snow along with strong winds will cause near blizzard conditions with snow covered surfaces through Tuesday morning, according to the National Weather Service. Snow accumulation will most likely be around 2 to 5 inches along and west of the Allegheny Front, according to the National Weather Service.