Severe storms in weather forecast for Maryland Thursday, drier Friday

Lightning strikes above a city skyline during a severe storm

The WJZ First Alert Weather Team has declared Thursday as a First Alert Weather Day for the potential of a line of powerful storms across Maryland that could bring down trees and cause localized flooding and power outages this afternoon and evening.  Scattered showers are possible Thursday morning, but the main batch of strong to severe storms will develop during the late afternoon and early evening. The greatest risk from the storms will be from damaging winds and heavy downpours. A few storms could produce hail. Some storms will also contain intense lightning and the possibility of producing an isolated tornado or two.

The expected timeline for severe storms is from 2 p.m. until 8 p.m. as storms move from west to east.  Not everyone will see severe weather. The greatest chance is across northern, central, and northeastern Maryland. Friday’s forecast is trending drier with a mix of sun and clouds with highs in the lower 80s.  Showers and storms return Friday night and continue off-and-on through the weekend.  Of the two weekend days, it appears Saturday will be the wettest. Sunday features a few leftover storms, as a cold front crosses the area.  Temperatures will top out in the low to mid-80s with plenty of humidity throughout the weekend. It will feel a bit warmer than actual temperatures. 

After a few rounds of showers and storms, high pressure builds in and provides a pair of quieter days. Monday, the first day of school for many students in the Baltimore area, brings high temperatures closer to 80°, a mix of sun and clouds along with lower humidity. Humidity remains low for Tuesday, an almost carbon copy of Monday’s forecast. Unsettled weather returns to the forecast Wednesday, with a chance of showers and storms. 

Source: Severe storms in weather forecast for Maryland Thursday, drier Friday – CBS Baltimore

Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.
Jeremiah 33:3

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Second rabid beaver confirmed at Cunningham Falls State Park in 2 weeks after fisherman bitten

Aggressive beaver standing on a log by a riverbank, warning to stay back

A beaver that bit a 19-year-old fisherman at a Maryland state park Wednesday morning tested positive for rabies, the Maryland Department of Health confirmed. The man was bitten on the leg while visiting the William Houck Area of Cunningham Falls State Park at Hunting Creek Lake near Thurmont, Maryland. It was the second beaver to test positive for rabies at Cunningham Falls State Park in the past two weeks. A 13-year-old was bitten by another rabid beaver at the park on July 26. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) responded around 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday after a beaver reportedly attacked a man while he was fishing at the lake. He was taken to Meritus Medical Center in Hagerstown for treatment. The beaver was captured and euthanized and was then sent to the health department for rabies testing. The Houck Day Use Area at Cunningham Falls State Park, the adjacent boat ramp, and Big Hunting Creek upstream of the lake were closed while wildlife officials investigate a possible rabies outbreak among the local beaver population.

The closures prohibit swimming, fishing, boating, and other water access until officials determine the area is safe for visitors. Other areas of the park, including the campground, remain open. Officials say this could take several days. On Jul 26,  a 13-year-old boy was bitten by a rabid beaver at Cunningham Falls State Park’s William Houck area near the North Beach of the lake.  The DNR said that officers searched for additional signs of rabid beavers in the area following the first beaver attack. A beaver lodge was dismantled, and daily surveillance was established at the lake for other beavers. People who have been bitten or scratched by a beaver near Cunningham Falls State Park are encouraged to call their health care provider or the Frederick County Health Department’s Community Health Services Office at 301-600-3342.  “Rabies can infect mammals through a bite or a scratch. Once an animal or person starts showing symptoms, it is almost always fatal unless treatment is given,” said Barry Glotfelty, Director for FCHD’s Environmental Health Services. 

Source: Second rabid beaver confirmed at Cunningham Falls State Park in 2 weeks after fisherman bitten – CBS Baltimore

Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.
James 4:10

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Maryland Zoo helping rebuild population of critically endangered Panamanian golden frogs

Golden glowing frog sitting on mossy branch with sparkling light in rainforest

After facing extinction, the critically endangered Panamanian golden frogs are one step closer to being released back into the wild. The species has not been seen in the wild in more than 20 years. The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore is taking steps to help the species rebuild its population. The golden frogs are being moved from indoors to a carefully monitored open-air enclosure. If this is successful, the ultimate goal is to eventually reintroduce them into the wild.

The study is led by local conservation teams at the El Valle Amphibian Conservation Center Foundation (EVACC) with support from the Maryland Zoo, Fort Worth Zoo, Detroit Zoo, Zoo Atlanta, Seneca Park Zoo, and Project Golden Frog – the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Species Survival Plan© (SSP) for the Panamanian Golden Frog. “It is incredibly exciting to see the efforts we have made over the past two decades to keep this species healthy in both North America and Panama now moving closer to a day when they are back in the wild in the El Valle de Anton region,” said Ellen Bronson, the senior director of Animal Health, Conservation, and Research at the Maryland Zoo.

Zoo officials say that the new outdoor study, conducted in shaded, screened enclosures, is the cautious next step in understanding how to safely return the Panamanian golden frogs to their native habitat. According to the National Zoo in Washington, D.C., the Panamanian golden frogs have toxic skin that produces tetrodotoxin and a unique compound called zetekitoxin, which contains enough toxins to kill 1,200 mice. 

Source: Maryland Zoo helping rebuild population of critically endangered Panamanian golden frogs – CBS Baltimore

But the Scripture has confined all under sin, that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe.
Galatians 3:22

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Maryland deputies praised for rescuing child with autism from river

river current and palm trees on the riverbank

Body-worn camera video shows a deputy from the St. Mary’s County, Maryland, Sheriff’s Office rescuing a 9-year-old with autism from a river after he had been reported missing. Deputies found the child in a river in the Hollywood area on Friday, July 17. Deputy Matthew Camp went into the water, swam to the child, and brought him safely to shore.  The child was evaluated by medical personnel and was reunited with his family.  The St. Mary’s Sheriff’s Office, Maryland State Police, Maryland Natural Resources Police, Maryland State Police Aviation Command (Trooper 7), the St. Mary’s County Department of Emergency Services, and multiple local fire and EMS agencies assisted with the coordinated search.    “We are grateful to share that he is doing well,” the St. Mary’s Sheriff’s Office said. “This body-worn camera footage captures just a portion of the teamwork, professionalism, and courage displayed by first responders during this incident. We are grateful for the positive outcome and proud of the dedication shown by all who responded.”

Source: Maryland deputies praised for rescuing child with autism from river – CBS Baltimore

Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another.
Romans 12:10

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Maryland’s weekend storms knock down trees, leave residents in the dark

Maryland residents are feeling the impacts of severe storms that rumbled through the state this weekend, and more storms are possible on Monday. Heavy rain and strong wind gusts knocked down trees and power lines, leaving thousands without power on Saturday and Sunday. Storms could cause more issues, including potential flooding, on Monday. Power outages in Maryland As many as 50,000 Baltimore Gas & Electric (BGE) customers started Sunday without electricity after storms damaged electric equipment throughout the service area. By 6 a.m. Monday, that number was down to 29,000. Anne Arundel, Baltimore, and Harford counties were hit the hardest with power outages. “

Of particular concern are the downed poles and wires due to the severity of the storm and winds,” BGE stated. “Downed trees, limbs, and other debris cause approximately half of all power outages during storms.” About 80% of power outages impacted by Saturday’s storms are expected to be restored by 6 p.m. on Monday. The vast majority will be restored by 11 p.m. on Tuesday. It is not clear if Sunday’s storms changed those projections. “BGE crews are assessing damage and will be working around the clock to restore power for customers as quickly and safely as possible,” BGE said Sunday. “We have increased staffing for this storm and mutual assistance contractors will be arriving this evening to assist with restoration.”

MTA light rail service suspended The Maryland Transit Administration said all light rail service is suspended at stations south of Patapsco because of a BGE power outage caused by downed power lines and fallen trees. Bus shuttles are running at the following stations until service resumes: Glen Burnie/Cromwell, Ferndale, BWI Airport, BWI Business District, Linthicum, North Linthicum, Nursery Road, and Baltimore Highlands.     Anyone anticipating taking the light rail on Monday is urged to check to make sure the train is running. The Maryland Transit Administration said all light rail service is suspended at stations south of Patapsco because of a BGE power outage caused by downed power lines and fallen trees. MTA BWI ground stop Baltimore-Washington Thurgood Marshall International Airport (BWI) issued a ground stop on Sunday evening because of storms in the area.

The ground stop has since been lifted. Stephen Greiman and his wife were stuck in Baltimore overnight after their flight to Charleston, South Carolina, was canceled. “It just gets frustrating when you travel, and things get interrupted,” Greiman said.   Maryland storm damage The Baltimore County Department of Public Works and Transportation said that as of 6 p.m. Sunday there had been reports of 110 downed trees and 23 roads closed.  CBS News Baltimore saw some of the most severe damage in Aberdeen on Sunday, with snapped trees and knocked-down power lines. A Harford County resident shared a photo of downed trees blocking Maxa Road bridge over I-95 in Aberdeen. 

CBS News Baltimore A Harford County resident shared a photo of downed trees blocking Maxa Road bridge over I-95 in Aberdeen on Saturday.  Aberdeen, Maryland Photo by Sandy Weeks A tree fell on a house in Reisterstown, in Baltimore County, on Saturday. A tree fell on a house in Reisterstown, in Baltimore County. CBS News Baltimore On Saturday, trees fell in Eldersburg, in Carroll County, blocking roads and hitting cars. Photo by Joel Dressen Streets in Fells Point had flooding from the heavy rainfall on Saturday and Sunday. CBS News Baltimore In Odenton, in Anne Arundel County, a tree fell onto a structure on Sunday. There were no reports of injuries, fire officials said.  A lightning strike was reported in the 7800 block of Shelbourne Drive in the Chestnut Hill Cove area of Anne Arundel County.

Crews have not located any active fire or smoke conditions. Maryland State Parks see damage The damage from Saturday’s storm forced some Maryland State Parks to close, including the Hammerman Area of Gunpowder Falls State Park, Soldiers Delight NEA, and the Steppingstone Farm Museum at Susquehanna State Park.

Source: Maryland’s weekend storms knock down trees, leave residents in the dark – CBS Baltimore

Now may the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the patience of Christ.
2 Thessalonians 3:5

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Explosive Diarrhea Parasite Outbreak Hits 20 States: Full List of Affected Areas

anonymous man hanging toilet paper in bathroom

A parasite that causes explosive, watery diarrhea has sickened 145 people across 20 US states, prompting an ongoing investigation by federal and state health officials into the source of the outbreak. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the cases were reported between May and June 16 and involve patients ranging in age from 5 to 86 years old. So far, 20 people have been hospitalized, but no deaths have been reported. Breaking It Down What is Shigella and how does it spread? What are the symptoms of Shigella infection? How are health authorities responding to the outbreak in Wayanad? Created with AI. Health officials believe the illnesses are linked to contaminated food because none of the patients reported recent international travel.

However, investigators have not yet identified the exact source. The parasite, Cyclospora cayetanensis, causes cyclosporiasis, a foodborne illness that commonly leads to explosive, watery diarrhea, severe stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, and fatigue. Symptoms usually appear about a week after infection and mainly affect the intestines, although some infected people may not develop symptoms. The CDC said local, state, and federal public health authorities are investigating several clusters of cases spanning multiple states. Officials also noted that the true number of infections may be higher because some cases may not have been diagnosed.

List of 20 States Affected By The Outbreak The CDC has reported cases in the following states and Washington, DC:

  • New York
  • New Jersey
  • Connecticut
  • Pennsylvania
  • Massachusetts
  • Rhode Island
  • Delaware
  • Maryland
  • Virginia
  • North Carolina
  • Ohio
  • Tennessee
  • Wisconsin
  • Illinois
  • Georgia
  • Florida
  • Texas
  • Louisiana
  • Colorado
  • Alaska
  • Washington DC

Among the affected areas, New York has reported the highest number of cases, with between 31 and 80 infections, followed by Texas and Illinois, which have each recorded between 11 and 30 cases. While cyclosporiasis can resolve on its own, symptoms may last for a month or longer if left untreated, increasing the risk of dehydration. The CDC says the infection is typically treated with the antibiotic trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, also sold under the brand names Bactrim, Septra and Cotrim. The agency also recommends following safe food handling and storage practices. Previous US outbreaks have been linked to imported fresh produce, including cilantro, raspberries, sweet peas, mesclun lettuce and basil.

Source: Explosive Diarrhea Parasite Outbreak Hits 20 States: Full List of Affected Areas | Times Now

Blessed are the peacemakers, For they shall be called sons of God.
Matthew 5:9

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Maryland inmate convicted of 2-month-old niece’s murder found dead in prison cell

interior of jail

A Harford County man who was serving prison time for killing his niece in 2013 was found unconscious in his cell in Washington County, and later died, according to the Maryland State Police. Colin Wolf, 32 of Bel Air, Maryland, was serving a 30-year sentence after he pleaded guilty to the first-degree murder of two-month-old Aubree Roberts.  Investigation into an inmate’s death in a jail cell On Wednesday, May 20, Wolf was found unresponsive in his prison cell at the Roxbury Correctional Institution in Hagerstown, Maryland. He was then pronounced dead by emergency medical personnel. Wolf was taken to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for an autopsy to determine the cause and manner of death. Investigators believe Wolf’s cellmate was in the cell at the time of Wolf’s death.

Homicide investigators were called to investigate. Wolf was sentenced for his niece’s murder In 2015, Wolf was sentenced to life in prison, with all but 30 years suspended, for the murder of his 2-month-old niece in Forest Hills, Maryland. In April 2013, Harford County sheriff’s deputies said paramedics were called to a home and found the seriously injured infant. The child was taken to Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, where the baby was pronounced dead. Investigators said Wolf was left alone with his niece in April 2013, and that he was angry with his sister for having the baby with her boyfriend, whom Wolf did not like. Police said he sprayed cologne in the baby’s mouth then punched her in the face, resulting in brain hemorrhage.

Source: Maryland inmate convicted of 2-month-old niece’s murder found dead in prison cell – CBS Baltimore

Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties; And see if there is any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting.
Psalm 139:23-24

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Severe storms in Maryland cause damage, uproot trees in some communities

fallen tree on green grass

A strong storm powered through Maryland on Wednesday, uprooting trees in some communities and bringing heavy downpours. The line of storms contained damaging wind gusts of up to 60 mph, along with lightning, blinding rainfall, and hail. Trees fall during severe weather Along Bowers Avenue in Baltimore, a tree toppled over on a car and a home.

Source: Severe storms in Maryland cause damage, uproot trees in some communities – CBS Baltimore

Surely He has borne our griefs And carried our sorrows; Yet we esteemed Him stricken, Smitten by God, and afflicted.
Isaiah 53:4

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D.C. Police lieutenant arrested in Maryland, charged with sexual solicitation of a minor

close up photography of a person in handcuffs

A Washington, D.C., police lieutenant was arrested in Maryland and charged with sexual solicitation of a minor, according to the Harford County Sheriff’s Office.  Records show that 47-year-old Lt. Matthew Mahl was arrested by deputies on Tuesday. He also faces charges of soliciting child pornography.  According to charging documents, Mahl tried to meet up with someone he believed to be a 15-year-old boy for sexual activity.  A judge ordered Mahl to be held without bail Wednesday. WJZ has reached out to Mahl’s attorney for comment.  According to D.C.’s Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), Lt. Mahl was placed on administrative leave, and his police powers were revoked after Harford County Sheriff’s officials contacted MPD’s Internal Affairs Division about the arrest.  “The allegations in this case are extremely disturbing, and in direct contrast with the values of the Metropolitan Police Department,” officials said in a statement. 

Source: D.C. Police lieutenant arrested in Maryland, charged with sexual solicitation of a minor – CBS Baltimore

You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.
Matthew 5:13