Thousands of power outages reported around Annapolis following blown transformer

BALTIMORE - Crews are working to restore power to thousands after a transformer blew out in Annapolis Thursday afternoon.

BGE reported more than 72,000 power outages across Annapolis and Anne Arundel County.

The City of Annapolis said traffic lights across the city are being impacted.

"At 3:15 p.m. an equipment failure impacted a large part of Anne Arundel County, causing more than 72,000 BGE customers to lose electric service," said BGE spokesperson Nick Alexopulos. "BGE crews are currently working as quickly and safely as possible to determine the cause of the equipment failure and an estimated time of restoration for customers who remain without power. We are fully mobilized and working multiple paths--from crews on the ground to automated distribution equipment--to resolve the issue. We expect to restore service for all impacted customers later this evening. We appreciate customers' patience as we address this issue."

"Power is out around the City of Annapolis," the City of Annapolis Tweeted. "Please treat intersections as four-way stops. Use caution and be patient. Will update with information from BGE as it becomes available."

Annapolis Alderman Brooks Schandelmeier said a transformer blew at the Cedar Park substation. The City of Annapolis said the power outage impacted the Annapolis peninsula and surrounding communities.

Estimated restoration time is 6:30 p.m., according to BGE.