Closure of bridges imminent as Hurricane Sandy hits Baltimore

BALTIMORE - UPDATE |  Bay Bridge closed at 1 p.m. Monday morning.

Wind restrictions are now in effect at the Gov. Harry W. Nice Memorial Bridge (US 40).  In addition, the Bay Bridge and Hatem Bridge also are under wind restrictions.  The Francis Scott Key (I-695) and Harry W. Nice Memorial (US 301) bridges are in wind warnings.  

Wind Warning - Sustained wind speeds or wind gusts of 30-39 mph
When wind warnings are in effect, operators of house trailers, box trailers, motorcycles, vehicles with roof-mount racks containing cargo or any other vehicle that may be subject to high winds are advised to use caution while traveling across the bridge.

Wind Restriction I - Sustained wind speeds or wind gusts of 40-49 mph
When wind restrictions are implemented, house trailers, empty box trailers or any vehicle that, in the opinion of law-enforcement personnel, may not safely cross the bridge will be prohibited from traveling the bridge. Motorists who are denied passage will be assisted with safely turning around.

PREVIOUS | Wind advisory in effect for Bay Bridge . If gusts exceed 55 mph, the bridge will close. Restrictions also in effect for Key, Hatem Memorial bridges.

Current measures show wind gusts near the Bay Bridge and others in the 40-45 mph range.

Outer bands of Hurricane Sandy are currently producing wind gusts as high as 70 mph or higher.

Current Conditions:  http://www.abc2news.com/dpp/weather/forecast/todays_forecast/baltimore-weather-forecast