If you've been reading my esteemed colleague Frank Roylance's SuperCool Maryland Weather blog, you know that "Winds around the region have ranged from 10 mph to 30 mph, with gusts as high as 46 mph (at Martinsburg, W.V.). BWI reported sustained winds at 30 mph with gusts to 39 mph in the last hour."

Frank's not the only one on Weather Watch. BGE is, too. In a press release today, the local utility said it is preparing "for anticipated service interruptions that are likely to occur as a result of forecasted high wind."

"BGE began monitoring this storm last week in anticipation of intense wind causing service interruptions for our customers, and we have already begun the process of identifying and assessing personnel, equipment and other needs to ensure the availability of sufficient resources,” said Stephen J. Woerner, senior vice president of electric business operations and planning for BGE.

“Unlike isolated or fast moving storms, this ongoing event has the potential to create power outages throughout today and into tomorrow, and could result in some customers to experiencing multiple or extended outages," Woerner added. "BGE crews will work to restore service as safely and as quickly as possible, and we thank our customers for their patience in advance of our restoration efforts.”

Customers are reminded to call BGE's automated system at 1-877-778-2222 to report power outages and to avoid downed wires, trees, and debris.

Customers should also be prepared for weather related power outages by keeping the following items readily available: