Thunderstorms cut power to 18,000

Severe thunderstorms that poured rain over Central and Western Maryland last night brought high winds and intense lightning that downed trees and cut off power to more than 18,000 residents.

Carroll County had the most power failures, with about 4,500 customers affected. Baltimore County had 3,800 who lost power, Harford County had 2,600 and Howard County had 1,800, said Baltimore Gas and Electric Co. spokesman John A Metzger. By 11 p.m., 12,800 customers were still without power.

The storms began moving east across the state at 7:30 p.m.

In Baltimore County, a tree fell on a car at the intersection of Seminary and Francke avenues at 10:07 p.m., the Baltimore County Fire Department said. One person was taken to the Maryland Shock Trauma Center, but the extent of injuries was not known last night.