BALTIMORE (WJZ)— Extreme heat was followed by severe storms Wednesday, and both caused big problems in Maryland.

Meghan McCorkell has more on the havoc they caused.

From record-breaking heat to severe storms, it has certainly been a day of extremes in our region.

Powerful winds slammed Odenton and sideways rain pounded Annapolis, flooding roads as lightning lit up the sky.

Edward Thomas was inside his Arnold home when a bolt of lightning hit the house.

“I was looking out the back door and seeing sparks like a flare going off out back,” he said.

He and his wife made it out but much of the house is torched.

“It’s devastating to see your home go up in smoke, basically,” he said.

High winds took out a massive tree in Washington, D.C., knocking out power. Dangerous winds caused transit officials to shut down the Bay Bridge during rush hour. Scaffolding came crashing into the westbound lanes. The line of storms stretched across the region. The storms ushered in cooler temperatures, bringing people outside for the first time all day.

Earlier, it was empty tables and deserted playgrounds. Everyone hid from the brutal sun.

“Like you’re a crab, a Baltimore crab being steamed. Now you know what the crabs feel like when they’re in the pot,” said Derek Watkins.

Baltimore reached a record-breaking 104 degrees Wednesday, a record many hope we don’t see again anytime soon.

About 9,500 BGE customers lost power during the storm. BGE has restored power to more than 8,000.

Pools are one way to beat the heat. For more information about Baltimore City pools, click here.

The city also has 11 cooling centers open where people can go in, get some cold ice water and sit in some air conditioning. Baltimore City residents can find a center closest to them by clicking here.