The National Weather Service reports that Howard County’s afternoon heat index is 100 degrees Sunday. 

That could be problematic for the more than 27,000 Howard County residents BGE said are still lacking power after Friday's storm.

Outages are scattered across portions of the county, said Nancy Lewin, a spokesperson in the Howard County Emergency Operations Center, which is coordinating storm response efforts.

Historic Ellicott City remains without power, she said.

At this point, Howard County officials' biggest concern is clearing area roads, she said.

"Making sure the roads are safe—that’s the top prioritity," she said.

A total of 13 roads are closed county-wide as of noon, she said; they are listed on the Howard County Government Facebook page.

The National Weather Service also warns residents that the heat could place stress on the body, as this is the fourth consecutive day with high temperatures exceeding 90 degrees.

Howard County has opened cooling stations at these locations: 

• ELKRIDGE: Elkridge branch of Howard County Library; open 9 am-5 pm (minimal library service—cooling shelter only)
• ELLICOTT CITY: Meadowbrook Athletic Complex; open 7 a.m.-10 p.m. 
• COLUMBIA: Cedar Lane Park West Community Center; 8 a.m.-8 p.m. (leashed/crated pets welcome); Central branch of Howard County Library; 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
• LAUREL: North Laurel Community Center; 9 a.m.–7 p.m. (Showers available)
• SAVAGE: Savage branch of Howard County Library; 9 a.m.-5 p.m., with (minimal library service, cooling shelter only)
• GLENWOOD: Gary J. Arthur Community Center (2400 Rt. 97); 8 a.m.-8 p.m.

BGE has deployed more than 2,000 workers, including 750 from out of state, to help restore power to Maryland, according to a statement it issued Sunday morning.

"Given the scope and magnitude of the damage we’re seeing thus far, we fully anticipate restoration activities to extend deep into this week," said Jeannette M. Mills, vice president and chief customer office for BGE, in the statement.

BGE asks customers to report outages or downed wires by calling 1-877-778-2222.

For those without power in Howard County, here are three free ways to cool off.

Free Ice at Harris Teeter

Harris Teeter is distributing free bags of ice at its King’s Contrivance location in Columbia. The ice will be available after 10 a.m. to assist those who experienced electrical disruptions, according to a statement from the company.

Free Pool Admission from Columbia Association

For the second consecutive day, the Columbia Association has opened its pools to the public. Normally, it costs $20 for adult nonmembers to go to the Columbia Association’s pools (it has more than 25 across Columbia, Ellicott City and Clarksville).

Free Water in Glenwood

Howard County sent its water buffalo to provide citizens with clean drinking water in Glenwood. Bring your own clean containers to the Gary Arthur Community Center to fill up from 10 a.m.–8:39 p.m.

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