Fire Warning, Wind Advisory Issued for Much of Maryland

BALTIMORE, MD — Strong winds that battered much of Maryland over the weekend — causing downed tree limbs and power outages in spots across the state — are expected to continue through Monday, which prompted the National Weather Service to extend the wind advisory through 5 p.m. for much of the state.

In addition, the state remains under elevated fire danger. Northwest winds of 15 to 25 mph with gusts of 35 to 45 mph can be expected Monday. The strongest winds are expected in Maryland counties along the Pennsylvania border. Humidity levels will drop between 30 to 35 percent. The strong winds and dry vegetation will lead to an increase in fire danger.

Outdoor burning is discouraged today and actually banned in a few counties. Check with your local fire officials. Any fires could quickly grow out of control.

The wind advisory is in effect for Allegany, Baltimore, Calvert, Carroll, Frederick, Harford, Howard, and the state's westernmost counties.

Cities in the advisory are include: Hagerstown, Frederick, Eldersburg, Westminster, Reisterstown, Cockeysville, Baltimore, Frostburg, Columbia, Ellicott City, Jarrettsville, Aberdeen, Hightown, Monterey, Romney, Paw Paw, Martinsburg, Moorefield, Bayard, Mount Storm, Petersburg, Elk Garden, Antioch, Keyser, New Creek, Ridgeville, Russelldale, Headsville, Fort Ashby, Riverton, Brandywine, Franklin, Oak Flat, Ruddle, and Sugar Grove.

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A wind advisory means that 45 to 55 mph winds are possible and can make driving difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles, according to the weather service.

The winds are expected to remain between 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 45 mph, according to the weather service.

The fire warning includes the areas noted in the wind advisory, plus the cities of Washington DC, Bowie, Suitland-Silver Hill, Clinton, College Park, Greenbelt, Laurel, Camp Springs, Glen Burnie, Annapolis, Severn, Severna Park, Arnold, Odenton, Germantown, Damascus, Bethesda, Rockville, Gaithersburg, and Silver Spring.

A gale warning is also in effect on the Chesapeake Bay and the Potomac and Patapsco Rivers until 5 p.m. Monday. Under a gale warning, winds are 34 to 47 knots and recreational boaters should seek safe harbor.

Patch file photo.