Reporting Meghan McCorkell
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Stars With Tax ProblemsBALTIMORE (WJZ) — Five days after a wicked windstorm walloped Maryland, thousands remain in the dark. Hundreds of BGE crews are working to restore power but patience is wearing thin.
Meghan McCorkell has more on the frustrations over the slow restoration effort and how much longer it will take.
BGE has restored power to 90 percent of its customers but those who are still in the dark may have to wait until this weekend.
In Middle River, a massive tree came crashing down onto cars.
“It sounded like a train coming through,” said one resident.
The roots stretched 20 feet across.
“I never imagined that much earth coming up with the tree,” a resident said.
It’s the same story in Woodlawn, where trees are tangled in power lines.
“People are tired of this. Our lights go out, then we’re out three or four days because of these big old trees,” said Iris Singleton.
And in northern Carroll County, the hum of generators is heard throughout Arbor Drive.
“I’ve called almost every day to BGE and they just keep saying, `Unfortunately, we’re all working on it,’” said Brian Miller.
Power lines are underground there but still the lights are out. Neighbors are trying to help each other by running extension cords in between houses.
In the dark with no AC is not the way Doug Seipp planned to spend the Fourth of July.
“We’re not celebrating like we normally would. We’re just hoping hour by hour we’ll get the power back,” Seipp said.
More than 4,200 BGE crews worked through the holiday across the region. They’ve restored power to more than 700,000 customers.
“I am thankful for those people who are out doing their job,” said one resident.
One BGE crew chief says that gratitude makes this tough job a little easier.
“That’s what makes it worthwhile. When you hear them cheer, it really makes you feel good,” said Doug Revie, BGE.
BGE warns as they move into more neighborhoods, the work can be more complex, which may keep customers in the dark even longer.
More storms in the area could also hamper recovery efforts and knock out even more customers.
