High Winds Topple Trees, Close Routes 24, 924

Motorists are advised to avoid Routes 24 and 924 while emergency crews remove fallen trees and repair downed utility lines and traffic lights that have forced Harford County officials to close portions of the two major roads. 

"Avoid the Route 24 corridor altogether," said Ben Lloyd, a Harford County government spokesman. 

Drivers are reminded to treat traffic lights that are not working as four-way stop signs at intersections.  

Route 24 has been temporarily closed in both directions between Bel Air South Parkway and Ring Factory Road due to downed trees and utility lines, according to the Harford County Division of Emergency Operations.

Route 924, or Emmorton Road, has been temporarily closed in both directions between Ring Factory Road and East MacPhail Road.

"The winds are expected to keep up for a few more hours," Lloyd said. "We could have more closures and power outages."  

BGE is reporting that about 4,000 customers in Harford County are without power as of 5:21 p.m. Another 4,800 have been restored throughout the day. 

Motorists on I-95 should exit at Routes 152 or 543 in order to avoid closures on Routes 24 and 924.

The National Weather Service reported that its "high wind warning" for Friday will remain in effect until 7 p.m. The winds are expected to reach 25 to 35 mph, with gusts around 60 mph.