Storm Keeps Thousands In The Dark

PIKESVILLE, Md. (WJZ) — Nearly 48 hours after ice coated the areas north and west of Baltimore, tens of thousands are still without power. And it could be another day before they all get it back.

Meghan McCorkell has more on how people are coping.

Thousands of people are still without power across the state. Officials say some will have to wait until Friday for the lights to go back on.

BGE crews work through the night after an ice storm wipes out power across the region.

The ice brought down trees along Old Forest Road in Pikesville.

"I'm telling you, we're really praying. Once they flip that switch, I really hope it goes on," said neighbor Lance Martin.

It's been a dark, cold few days in Baltimore County, where more than 90,000 BGE customers lost power.

"When it went out all I could see was a big bright light. I was in the bed sleeping and whoosh! Seemed like the whole house, the sun came in the house," said neighbor Stanley Rice.

He fuels up his generator--the only way he and his wife can keep the lights on.

Neighbors on Prince George Road in Pikesville say they've seen plenty of BGE trucks in the area, but so far nobody has stopped to fix their downed power line.

"Seems like they're working all around this area. When are they going to get to us?" said Rice.

BGE has more than 2,000 people working to restore power, calling in crews from New York, Delaware, New Jersey and Indiana.

Inside the BGE Storm Center, calls are coming in as the utility tries to prioritize jobs.

"We are absolutely committed to getting as many customers back in service today as possible," said Steve Woerner, BGE.

BGE crews on scene in Owings Mills, where frozen trees tangled with power lines. Inside homes:

"It's the same as it is out here--freezing," Ed Carver said.

Now they hope these crews get the heat back on.

As of 11 p.m., more than 34,000 are still without power across the state, with the vast majority in Baltimore, Frederick and Carroll counties.

BGE has already restored power to more than 150,000 customers.

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