ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Nearly all power has been restored to residents in Annapolis after a widespread power outage Thursday afternoon.
According to BGE, there were 60 outages in the area that affected over 70,000 customers.
The outages began around 3:15 p.m.
According to officials, a power disruption at the Cedar Park substation impacted the Annapolis peninsula and surrounding communities.
Local businesses also suffered when the power went out. Hudson and Fouqet Salon was unable to service some of their usual clients.
“I heard a loud boom, I believe most of us did, which felt like it was kind of behind the building, and power went out of course. All of our computers, lights, blowdryers, so a lot of people with wet heads,” said Mary Ford, Director of Operations at H&F Salon.
Drivers were asked to treat intersections like four-way stops because traffic lights were out, which caused traffic throughout the city.
“We were up in our apartment, power went out, and I decided to go run an errand, and that’s when I ran into the incredible traffic here. It took me an hour and a half to get like 20 minutes away,” said Annapolis resident David Strouder.
Despite not having power for hours, most people were in good spirits and looking to make the most out of a bad situation.
“Everybody on the street has just come out, and we’re drinking a little wine. We’re having fun and relaxing, so we turned no electricity in to sort of like street fair and we’re having a great time,” said Strouder.
The City of Annapolis Office of Emergency Management (OEM) partially activated the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) during the outages.
The Anne Arundel County Office of Emergency Management is supporting Annapolis OEM and taking non-emergency calls at 410-222-0600.
BGE expects all power outages to be restored late Thursday night.
