Anne Arundel county Power outages Persist After Severe Storms
Table of Contents
Thousands of residents and businesses in Anne Arundel County are still experiencing power outages Friday morning following severe thunderstorms that swept through the region on Thursday, downing trees and power lines. Utility crews are working to restore power, but full restoration is not expected until later today.
Power Outage Causes and Restoration Efforts
The severe thunderstorms that hit Anne Arundel County on June 20, 2025, brought strong winds and heavy rain, causing widespread damage to the power grid. Downed trees and power lines are the primary cause of the outages. Utility companies, including Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE), have mobilized crews to assess the damage and begin restoration efforts. BGE reports that they have restored power to tens of thousands of customers, but thousands more remain without electricity. As of 7:00 AM EDT, approximately 5,000 customers are still without power [Baltimore Gas and Electric].
Did You Know? The average power outage in the United States lasts for approximately 90 minutes, but major events like severe storms can cause outages lasting several hours or even days [U.S. Energy information Administration].
Power Outage Safety Tips
While utility crews work to restore power, it is crucial for residents to take precautions to ensure their safety. The American Red Cross recommends the following safety tips during a power outage:
- Use flashlights for lighting rather of candles to prevent fire hazards.
- Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible to preserve food. Food can stay safe in a refrigerator for up to four hours and in a full freezer for 48 hours [American Red Cross].
- Disconnect electronic devices to protect them from power surges when electricity is restored.
- Never use generators indoors, including in garages or basements, due to the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Report downed power lines to the utility company immediately and stay away from them.
Estimated Restoration Times
BGE estimates that most customers will have their power restored by late Friday. However, some outages may take longer to repair, especially in areas with extensive damage. Customers can check the BGE outage map for estimated restoration times in their area [Baltimore Gas and Electric].
Pro Tip: Sign up for outage alerts from your utility company to receive updates on restoration efforts and estimated restoration times.
Economic Impact of Power Outages
Power outages can have a notable economic impact on businesses and residents. Businesses may lose revenue due to closures or reduced productivity, while residents may incur costs for spoiled food and option accommodations. A 2021 study by the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory estimated that power outages cost the U.S.economy an average of $150 billion annually [Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory].
| Impact Area | Description |
|---|---|
| Residential | Spoiled food,inconvenience,safety concerns |
| Business | Lost revenue,reduced productivity,potential damage to equipment |
| Economic | Significant annual costs to the U.S. economy |
Preventative Measures
To mitigate the impact of future power outages, Anne Arundel County is investing in infrastructure improvements, including burying power lines and trimming trees near power lines. Thes measures are designed to reduce the risk of outages caused by severe weather. Residents can also take steps to prepare for outages by creating emergency kits and developing family communication plans.
What steps have you taken to prepare for power outages? How can communities better prepare for severe weather events?
Understanding Power Grids and Outages
Power grids are complex networks that deliver electricity from generating stations to homes and businesses. These grids are vulnerable to damage from severe weather, equipment failures, and other factors. Understanding the causes of power outages and the steps involved in restoring power can help residents better prepare for and cope with these events.
Ancient Trends in Power Outages
Data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration shows that power outages have been increasing in frequency and duration in recent years. This trend is attributed to factors such as aging infrastructure, increased demand for electricity, and more frequent and intense severe weather events. Investing in grid modernization and resilience is crucial to ensuring a reliable power supply in the future.
Frequently Asked questions About Power Outages
- What should I do if I see a downed power line?
- Stay away from the downed power line and report it to the utility company immediately.
- How can I prepare for a power outage?
- Create an emergency kit with flashlights, batteries, food, and water. Develop a family communication plan and sign up for outage alerts from your utility company.
- How long can food stay safe in the refrigerator during a power outage?
- Food can stay safe in a refrigerator for up to four hours if the door is kept closed.
Stay informed and prepared! Share this article with your neighbors and friends to help them stay safe during power outages. What other questions do you have about power outages? Leave a comment below!
