Severe Weather Hits Howard County

April showers could be bringing tornadoes with them on April 16.

The National Weather Service issued a tornado watch for most of Maryland on Saturday afternoon—including Howard County—effective until 10 p.m. It also issued a flash flood watch, in effect until 11 p.m., and has cautioned residents that heavy winds may blow through the area.

“These weather conditions could cause whole trees and tree limbs to come down onto power lines and other electric delivery equipment, interrupting service to customers,” said BGE in a news release Saturday afternoon. The company has mobilized additional crews to respond to weather-related incidents.

As of 4:30 p.m., more than 200 people had lost power in Howard County.

BGE asks that people report fallen power lines to (410) 685-0123 and power outages to 1-877-778-2222.

The power company also suggests that people fill up their vehicles' gas tanks and keep the following handy in case of outages:

• Flashlight
• Fresh batteries
• Charged cell phone
• Blankets
• Nonperishable food