Harford County Weather Prompts Wind, Fire, Freeze Alerts

HARFORD COUNTY, MD — Several weather threats have prompted alerts for Harford County, from wind warnings at area bridges Thursday morning to elevated fire threats Thursday afternoon to the potential for freezing conditions early Friday.

Wind warnings are in effect for the Hatem, Tydings and Bay bridges, the Maryland Transportation Authority reported at 10 a.m. on Thursday.

Wind gusts of 28 mph were recorded at the Hatem Bridge before 10:30 a.m., officials said.

Drivers of the following vehicles should use extra caution while crossing the bridge during a wind warning: house trailers, box trailers, motorcycles, vehicles with roof-mount racks containing cargo or any other vehicle that may be subject to high winds. State transportation officials advise keeping both hands on the wheel and slowing down during periods of strong winds.

Bridges are not the only place people should be careful on Thursday because of the weather.

Enhanced Fire Threat Across State

Due to an enhanced fire threat, the National Weather Service issued a special weather statement Thursday morning advising people against outdoor burning across Maryland.

Mid to late afternoon will be the most vulnerable time, as 20 to 30 mph northwest winds coincide with dry conditions, with humidity dropping to 20 to 25 percent across the state.

"If you do burn, use extreme caution and ensure fire suppression is readily available," the National Weather Service said.

The enhanced fire threat applies to the following areas: Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Calvert, Carroll, Charles, Frederick, Harford, Howard, Montgomery, Prince George's and St. Mary's counties as well as Baltimore City and the District of Columbia.

In particular, the weather service noted Aberdeen and Jarrettsville as potential areas of concern.

Until 10 p.m. on Thursday, a red flag warning is in effect for Kent County in Maryland as well as parts of Delaware, including the beaches. A red flag warning means critical fire weather conditions are occurring or imminent due to a combination of strong winds, low relative humidity and dry fuels.

"Any fires that develop may quickly get out of control and become difficult to contain," the National Weather Service warned.

Freezing Temperatures Possible

Temperatures on Thursday will be 10 degrees below usual, forecasters say. The high in Harford County is above 55 degrees Thursday, with the potential for a more than 20-degree drop at night.

A freeze watch takes effect from 1 to 9 a.m. on Friday, April 29, for northwestern Harford County. Forecasters say temperatures may dip to 31 degrees.

People in these areas should take steps to protect tender plants from the cold.

To prevent outdoor water pipes from freezing and bursting, they should be wrapped, drained, or allowed to drip slowly. Those that have in-ground sprinkler systems should drain them and cover above-ground pipes to protect them from freezing.

See the latest forecast for Harford County from the National Weather Service.