Damaging Winds in Maryland, June 1, 1998

A derecho whipped across northern Maryland just after midnight on June 1, knocking down hundreds of trees and producing scattered property damage. Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE) reported 61,000 customers without power during the overnight hours, mostly in Carroll, Howard, and Baltimore Cos, as well as Baltimore City. Some of the hardest hit areas did not receive power until the following evening. BGE also noted that more than double the normal number of cleanup crews were out removing trees and limbs.Tree and property damage began in western Carroll Co and continued sporadically through northern Howard, Baltimore (Co. and City), and Harford Co. In Westminster, city crews commented that tree damage was the most they had seen "in 20 years". Many trees and large limbs fell onto roadways; one smashed a vehicle. Ten thousand customers were without power in Carroll Co alone. The line of storms scraped northern Howard Co, knocking down more trees, limbs, and power lines.Widespread, scattered tree and power line damage was reported in Baltimore Co. A wind gust of 66 mph was recorded in Upperco, near the Carroll Co line. The same storm produced a 59 mph gust in Towson approximately 10 minutes later. Numerous trees were reported down between Cockeysville and Towson. Volunteer fire companies answered at least 40 calls for fallen trees. One tree caused damage to a house. Five other trees/large limbs covered the northern suburban light rail line, mainly north of Ruxton, causing commuter delays later that morning. A few crossing gates were blown down as well. Less than a half hour later, numerous trees and limbs were knocked down in the city of Baltimore, most likely in the northwestern section. The storms weakened a bit as they moved into Harford Co. Still, several trees/limbs were blown down, as were power lines. Several utility poles caught fire; over 6000 customers were without power at the peak of the storm. An isolated cell produced damage in extreme eastern Baltimore Co before the derecho arrived. On Sparrows Point, near Edgemere, several large trees were either uprooted or snapped off at their bases. Cement slabs were also moved by the high winds.