maryland Braces for High Winds,Potential Power outages Through Tuesday
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A First Alert weather Day remains in effect for Maryland as strong,gusty winds continue through Tuesday,potentially causing tree damage and widespread power outages. While the week ahead promises relatively quiet weather aside from the wind,residents should prepare for considerably cold conditions.
High Wind warnings and Advisories in Effect
A High Wind warning is currently in place for garrett and allegany Counties, extending through Tuesday afternoon. Peak wind gusts in these mountainous regions coudl exceed 70 mph, while lower elevations may experience gusts up to 60 mph. The remainder of the state is under a Wind Advisory through Tuesday.
“The strongest gusts could cause some tree damage,” a weather official warned, adding that “spotty to scattered power outages are possible.”
TuesdayS Forecast: Bitterly Cold and Windy
Tuesday will begin with temperatures in the 20s across Maryland, but the wind chill will make it feel like the single digits or teens in many neighborhoods. Winds are expected to gust between 40 and 45 mph early in the morning, gradually decreasing to around 20 mph by the afternoon. Despite high temperatures peaking in the low to mid-30s, the wind will create a perceived temperature in the low to mid-20s. Unlike Monday, when temperatures steadily fell throughout the day, temperatures will peak in the afternoon.
Power Outages Already Impacting Thousands
The strong winds on Monday already caused significant disruptions,with BGE reporting thousands of customers losing power due to downed trees and limbs. As of 9 p.m. Monday, service had been restored to over 14,500 customers, but approximately 10,000 remained without electricity. Howard, Baltimore, and Anne Arundel counties were the hardest hit areas.
A BGE spokesperson indicated that additional power outages are likely into Tuesday. Residents are encouraged to check the BGE website for updates on outages in their communities.
New Year’s Eve and Beyond: Cold Continues
The forecast for New Year’s Eve on Wednesday calls for continued breezy conditions, though winds will be less intense than those experienced on Monday and Tuesday. Temperatures around midnight in Baltimore are expected to be in the lower 30s, but will feel like the 20s. The weather is expected to cooperate with outdoor celebrations, with partly cloudy skies and dry conditions anticipated.
As 2026 begins, another blast of cold air will arrive. thursday will be breezy, with temperatures struggling to reach freezing. A few snow showers are possible, but significant accumulations are not expected. A generally cold weather pattern is forecast to persist through the first few days of the new year.
