A band of thunderstorms swept through Maryland last night, downing utility lines and knocking out power to 14,000 homes throughout the Baltimore metropolitan area, including 6,100 in Harford County, the hardest hit subdivision.
A cool air mass moved into the area about 7 p.m., bringing isolated thundershowers. A lot of lightning occurred, but little rainfall, said Andrew Woodcock, a National Weather Service meteorologist.
The storms did not bring sufficient rain to help the state's drought-stricken farmers.
Only a trace of rain was recorded at Baltimore-Washington International Airport.
"The farmers would rather have a long soaking rain, and this wasn't that. This was more a series of quick thunderstorms that wash off," said Dewey Walston, another National Weather Service meteorologist.
Fire and rescue officials reported no serious injuries. But Harford County emergency officials reported 35 calls for downed trees and power lines between 6: 45 p.m. and 8 p.m.
About 5,300 homes lost power in Baltimore; 180 in Baltimore County; 1,100 in Anne Arundel; 1,300 in Howard; and 30 in Carroll. All power was expected to be restored by this morning, BGE said.
Woodcock said that today's forecast called for highs in the mid-80s with morning clouds giving way to sun by early afternoon.
Pub Date: 7/10/97
