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Baltimore officials are urging people to stay indoors and Baltimore Gas and Electric Co. has mobilized employees to deal with potential outages Sunday following high winds, freezing temperatures and overnight snowfall.
As wet snow began falling in the Baltimore area Saturday night, the National Weather Service issued a wind chill warning until noon Sunday and a high-wind warning until 2 p.m.
Winds between 30 mph and 40 mph could also produce 60 mph gusts. The sub-zero wind chills could make temperatures plummet to minus-15 degrees, and cause frostbite or hypothermia if precautions are not taken, the weather service said.
Baltimore's Office of Emergency Management urged residents to stay inside Sunday.
Wind restrictions were in effect on the Bay and Key bridges, and warnings were in effect for the Hatem Bridge.
In Harford County, public libraries are being used as warming centers in Aberdeen, Abingdon, Bel Air and Jarrettsville from 1 to 5 p.m.
Along with minor structural damage, power lines and trees could fall from the winds, forecasters said. BGE is urging customers to stay away from downed wires and to report outages at (877) 778-2222or bge.com.
Elderly, disabled or other customers with special needs, such as those dependent on electricity for medical equipment should make alternate arrangements in case they experience outages, the company said. It also urged customers who use space heaters or generators to place them in well-ventilated areas, to avoid deadly carbon monoxide poisoning, fire or other problems.
The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore closed for both Saturday and Sunday due to extreme temperatures. The B&O Railroad Museum, citing the weather, will open at noon Sunday.