HUGHESVILLE, Md. - The Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative (SMECO) reported this morning that they are working to restore power to more than 14,000 customer who were affected by the winter storm. Freezing rain and ice caused outages throughout the Southern Maryland area, bringing down trees and power lines.
Damage from the winter storm is concentrated in Charles County and southern Prince George's County. More than 9,800 customers in that region were without power as of 7:30 a.m., Wednesday, February 14. More than 3,200 customers in Calvert County and about 900 customers in St. Mary's County were also affected by the storm.
SMECO crews began making repairs early this morning and 10 additional crews have been called in to assist with the restoration efforts.
To report outages and downed power lines, customers may call 1-888-440-3311.
SMECO advises that downed power lines are dangerous. People should stay away from downed lines and anything that may be touching a power line. SMECO also encouraged customers to use flashlights during an outage, not candles, because candles may cause house fires.