Nearly 12k lose power in Baltimore area

According to the website of Baltimore Gas and Electric, thousands lost power Tuesday as heavy rain and strong winds took a toll on the Baltimore area.

As of 4 p.m., according to BGE, nearly 7,000 customers were without power.

The company reported that there were as many as 11,954 total customers that lost power at one point or another over the course of the day.

BGE began storm operations Tuesday at about 11:30 a.m. Officials with the company expected high winds to be a challenge in making repairs.

ALERT | Tornado watch issued for Baltimore area

"We remind customers that certain types of work such as repairs requiring the use of bucket trucks cannot be safely performed when the wind exceeds 25 miles per hour,” said vice president and chief customer officer for BGE Jeannette M. Mills. “In that case, BGE will begin restoring service as soon as it is safe to do. The safety of our employees, contractors and customers is our first priority at BGE."

In a press release issued Tuesday morning, the energy provider urged customers to have the following items handy in preparation for severe weather:

Flashlights - not candles

Fresh batteries

Battery operated clock radio

Corded telephone

Fully charged cell phone

Non-perishable foods

Blankets