From Harford County government:
Good Evening, this is Emergency Manager Rick Ayers with an update from last night’s storm. The county still has over 13,000 customers without power, especially, in the Northern Sections of Harford County. Both BG&E and Delmarva have extra crews working on the restoration effort. However, the NWS has just issued a special weather statement for winds of 15 to 20 mph and gusts as high as 35. Therefore, we could expect additional power outages to occur overnight, with downed trees and power lines. The temperatures tonight are expected to drop into the teens. At this time, Harford County has decided to open shelters for those citizens that need a place to go and get warm. The locations include: Patterson Mill High School in Bel Air, Darlington Fire Company on Castleton Road and Whiteford Fire Company on Rt. 165. The County has also activated the Harford County Hot-line at 410-838-5800 for any non-emergency related questions. Thanks and Be Safe
Harford County Opens Three Shelters During Storm Recovery
(Forest Hill, MD) – – The Harford County Department of Emergency Services (DES) has announced the opening of three emergency shelters to assist those without power. The three sites opened at 4:00 p.m. Wednesday.
The locations of the temporary emergency shelters are:
Patterson Mill High School
85 Patterson Mill Road
Bel Air, Maryland 21015
Darlington Volunteer Fire Company – House 1
2600 Castleton Road
Darlington, Maryland 21034
Whiteford Volunteer Fire Company
1407 Pylesville Road
Whiteford, Maryland 21160
The shelters have been opened to provide temporary assistance to those who may be without power through the night.
As of 3:00 p.m. Wednesday, BGE reported approximately 12,000 customers throughout Harford County were without power. Delmarva Power reported approximately 2,000 of their customers were without power. Both utility companies have experienced difficulty in restoring electrical service due to power lines covered with ice and fallen trees and branches.
Those citizens wishing to utilize the availability of the shelters are urged to bring the following items with them:
Medications
Specialized medical equipment which may be needed
Personal hygiene items to include soap, towels, pillows and toothbrush
Weapons will not be permitted into the shelters.
Harford County Emergency Management officials are working with the Department of Community Services, the Department of Social Services and the American Red Cross to assist those who have lost power due to the latest winter storm.
The Harford County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) will remain staffed throughout the night monitoring storm mitigation and recovery efforts. Additionally the Harford County Hot Line has been activated to assist citizens with non-emergency related inquiries. The Harford County Hot Line is 410-838-5800.
The Harford County Department of Public Works, Division of Highways has deployed more than 100 personnel to assist in clearing ice and fallen trees from county roads. As of 4:00 p.m. Wednesday afternoon, 63 county roads were closed or blocked due to downed power lines, fallen trees or branches. Clean up efforts have been slowed due to on-going issues with ice.
“Although this latest winter storm resulted in lesser amounts of snow, the freezing rain and subsequent icing conditions have had a significant impact in Harford County”, said Harford County Emergency Manager Rick Ayers. “Recovery efforts will continue through the night and well into Thursday. We ask citizens to exercise caution and be patient as we work to return Harford County to a state of normalcy,” Ayers added.
For further information on storm and emergency preparedness, visit the Harford County Department of Emergency Services website at www.harfordpublicsafety.org or the following Social Media links : https://www.facebook.com/pages/Harford-County-Emergency-Management/346613205429196 and Twitter https://twitter.com/HarfordCoEM or call 410-638-4900.
From State Highway Administration:
DRIVERS SHOULD BE ON GUARD TONIGHT FOR POSSIBLE
ICY SPOTS; FELLED TREES
Falling Ice, Power Outages Affecting Traffic Signals and Felled Trees Could Present Driving Challenges; Dropping Temperatures Tonight Could Bring Re-Freeze
(February 5, 2014 – 6 p.m.) – The State Highway Administration (SHA) reminds travelers to stay alert for changing conditions this evening. Highway crews continue to monitor, patrol and treat State roads. Several lane closures and power outages affecting traffic signals can be found throughout central and northern Maryland. For a list of reported closures, please visit www.chart.maryland.gov
Drivers are reminded that travel conditions will vary based on location and pavement temperature. As temperatures drop tonight, re-freeze on roadways could present icy conditions.
“The single most important thing for drivers to remember in these rapidly changing conditions is to simply stay alert,” said State Highway Administrator Melinda B. Peters. “Drivers may find varying roadways conditions during their travels – be on guard and extra vigilant – you never know when you may encounter a felled branch or tree, a power outage or a slick spot.”
Be sure to keep these additional driving tips in mind:
During snow and ice storms, there may be power outages that impact traffic signals. If drivers encounter a traffic signal without power, State law requires ALL traffic to treat the intersection as a four-way stop.
Remain alert for downed tree limbs and branches due to ice and wind.
Stay alert for falling ice when traveling under trees, power lines and overpasses.
If your vehicle becomes disabled, make every effort to move it safely from the travel lane.
Call #77 toll-free from your mobile phone to report disabled vehicles to police.
Know Before You Go! By logging onto www.MD511.org or calling 511.
A big thumbs up to Delmarva Power. Despite major damage, it seems most of the power in the North was restored quickly. On one 1/4 mile stretch of road near my property, the wires were downed in 4 separate places. By noon the day of the storm, the damage was repaired.
Good work by Harford County for taking up such precautionary measures.