Maryland Power Outages Could Last Days
BALTIMORE (WJZ)-- Maryland is hammered by a hurricane-like summer thunderstorm. Right now, hundreds of thousands are without power. There is extensive damage across the state. Cars were crushed by large trees. Hundreds of BGE crews and repair crews from around the nation are now in Maryland, trying to get everyone back online. Making matters worse for people without power, it's still very hot.
A state of emergency remains in effect right now. Trees and wires are down, making it very dangerous--especially when it gets dark.
Mike Hellgren has more.
The impact of the fast and furious straight-line winds is still being felt by hundreds of thousands of people across Maryland. Many are without power as temperatures climb dangerously high.
Others are trying to clean up after trees smashed onto cars and homes.
"It sounded like a roaring train," said Melvin Johnson.
Baltimore's mayor says the pace of recovery is frustrating.
"I will not be satisfied until all customers have their power restored," Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake said.
BGE says they've received more than 760,000 calls and brought in crews from thousands of miles away to help in restoration. But for some, it won't happen Monday night--or even Tuesday.
"The reality is, we are going to see this restoration effort extend into this weekend, this coming weekend," said Rob Gould, BGE.
Many traffic lights are dark, causing headaches getting around. In some places, generators power them and desperate people have used extension cords to charge their phones to keep in contact with loved ones.
The main goal now is getting the electricity back on and back to normal.
Capt. Jeff Long shows off the damage:
BGE also urges residents to call them to report downed wires but not to handle them themselves. The number to call to report outages and downed power lines is 877-778-2222.
The total number of BGE customers without power now stands at 189,506-- 66,229 in Baltimore County, 50,753 in Baltimore City and 36,138 in Anne Arundel County. To see the current outages across the state, click here.
Free ice brought long lines of city residents, many still shocked by the power of the storm.
Several schools across the region will also be closed. For a complete list, click here.
Cooling centers in Baltimore City will be open at least until Tuesday. Baltimore County had also opened some cooling centers for its residents without power. For more information on their locations, hours and contact information, click here or call 311.
Residents are encouraged to be careful when purchasing food. Health inspectors have closed more than two dozen facilities that have been open and selling food even though they don't have electricity. If you know of a place doing this, please call 311. Places without electricity and hot water have a higher risk of food-borne illness.
The city has also opened shelters for those without electricity. Each shelter has 75 beds. The shelters are located at the Baltimore Junior Academy at 3006 West Coldspring Lane and at the Dawson Family Safe Haven Center at 1400 East Federal Street
