Wind Advisory Issued For 9 Counties Plus Baltimore

MARYLAND — Hold onto your hat on Saturday; it's going to be windy. Those driving may want to put both hands on the steering wheel. The National Weather Service issued a wind advisory calling for gusts up to 50 mph.

The wind advisory is in effect until 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 27. Winds of 15 to 25 mph are forecast, with gusts up to 50 mph. According to the National Weather Service, the winds will be strongest from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Tree limbs and power lines may blow over, according to the advisory, which states that power outages are expected.

The advisory applies to Anne Arundel, Allegany, Baltimore, Carroll, Frederick, Harford, Howard, Montgomery and Prince George's counties as well as Baltimore City and the District of Columbia.

Authorities issue a wind advisory when winds of 45 to 55 mph are anticipated, according to the National Weather Service.

"Winds this strong can make driving difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles," according to the advisory.

The Key Bridge is under limited wind restrictions, the Maryland Transportation Authority said after 10:45 a.m. During limited wind restrictions, these vehicles may not cross: house trailers, empty box trailers or any other vehicle that law enforcement personnel say may not safely cross.

Wind gusts were 49 mph on the Key Bridge before 11:30 a.m., according to state transportation data.

The Bay Bridge, Hatem Bridge and Tydings Bridge are under wind warnings, the Maryland Transportation Authority reported after 10 a.m. Wind warnings are issued when winds are 30 to 39 mph. Drivers of the following should use extra caution crossing bridges during wind warnings: house trailers, box trailers, motorcycles, vehicles with cargo on roof racks and any other vehicles subject to high winds.

A gale warning is in effect on the Chesapeake Bay and surrounding waters until 2 p.m. Saturday. A gale warning means winds are 34 to 47 knots and recreational boaters should seek safe harbor.

A small craft advisory is in effect from 2 to 8 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. During these periods, boaters in smaller vessels should avoid being out on the water due to winds of 18 to 33 knots.