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Arctic Blast Brings Frigid Temps, Dangerous Conditions To Maryland

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- An arctic blast has arrived in Maryland, bringing frigid temps and creating dangerous conditions for both people and pets, and another frigid night is in the books.

Wicked winds blow across the region as temperatures stay in the teens.

Code Blue Extreme Cold Alert In Effect From Sunday To Tuesday

The temperatures create dangerous conditions for people who work outdoors, the homeless and people who may live in homes without heat.

It also brought some water main breaks, causing some issues on roadways. DPW said because of the cold weather they are canceling mechanical street sweeping- parking restrictions will not be enforced.

A water break at the intersection of Liberty Heights and Wabash Avenue transformed the road Monday, sending a stream of water down the road, combined with artic air causes ice to form almost instantly.

A similar scene broke out a mile up the road on Belle Avenue.

The winds were so strong that winds restrictions were in effect along Key Bridge and the Chesapeake Bay bridge. Wind warnings were in effect at Hatem and Tydings bridges as well.

AAA-Mid Atlantic reported that it rescued more than 1,200 stranded motorists in Maryland as of 12:30 p.m. Monday. Most of the calls were for dead batteries.

City firefighters were also having a tough day.

"It's just devastating," said Gaylia Brown.

Brown's family home in Southwest Baltimore burned for hours in the frigid air.

"We literally just watched the house burn up," Brown said.

No lives were lost in the fire, but elsewhere, the cold air has claimed some.

According to the Maryland Department of Health, there have been 10 cold-related deaths so far this season. The deaths are reported every Wednesday.

Though there are risks, others are still venturing out.

"I wanted to come out here all day, finally convinced my friends after a long day that we could brace up and get warm enough to take on the cold," said James Schloeder, Baltimore resident.

People like Schloeder bundled up to enjoy the last night of the Pandora Ice Rink at the Inner Harbor.

Some definitely got more prepared than others.

"Really cold, I can't feel my hands right now," said Toby Wilson, another Baltimore resident.

"It was windier this morning, we were here and it's a little bit calmer now so," said Bill and Saba Jones, Baltimore residents.

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