Severe Storms Cause Fatalities and Widespread Damage Across Maryland

Maryland experienced severe thunderstorms and damaging winds on Thursday and Friday, leading to significant destruction across the state. The aftermath has resulted in the closure of Sandy Point State Park, widespread power outages, and at least two fatalities.

Anne Arundel County was particularly affected, with tens of thousands of residents losing power as of Saturday morning. According to Baltimore Gas & Electric, over 10,000 customers were still without electricity by noon on Saturday.

As a precaution, Sandy Point State Park announced its closure due to power outages caused by the storms, as noted by Maryland State Parks in a social media update.

Mitchelle Stephenson, a representative from the Annapolis mayor’s office, remarked on the extensive damage, particularly in the western regions of the city. She reported that at least 15 properties were impacted and one family was displaced.

The storms led to numerous uprooted trees, which fell onto streets and power lines, causing traffic lights to malfunction in areas near the Chesapeake Bay.

Tragically, one woman lost her life in Montgomery County when a tree fell on her during Thursday evening's storms. Additionally, another woman was found deceased in Upper Marlboro after being trapped under a tree.

While Baltimore city largely escaped the worst of the storms on Friday night, nearly 2,000 residents were still without power overnight following a day of extreme heat. The National Weather Service has lifted its heat advisory, but an extreme heat alert remains in effect, prompting the opening of cooling centers and extended hours for city pools on Saturday.

Residents in Anne Arundel County without power are encouraged to visit public libraries, police stations, and senior community centers for relief from the heat.

Reported by HarborBeat based on The Baltimore Banner (source).