MEDIA RELEASE, CITY OF HAYS
Hays, KS – This morning, Wednesday, July 13, 2016, at approximately 5:45 a.m., a severe thunderstorm hit the City of Hays causing citywide damage. Streets are blocked by downed power lines and tree limbs. Some traffic signals are not operational at this time. There are 95 employees on duty to clear the streets and assist with traffic control. The public is asked to minimize travel and to avoid downed power lines and tree limbs in the streets. It is imperative that the travelling public avoid emergency vehicles, allow them to pass or reroute travel to avoid streets the emergency workers are trying to clear. The City Compost Site is closed until further notice. Residents are not to bring tree branches to compost site. City Crews are currently working to remove branches and debris from City Streets. Residents may drag tree limbs to the edge of the curb – DO NOT PUT BRANCHES IN THE STREET. Once all streets are clear, City Crews will begin collecting branches from the curb line. It will take several days to accomplish this clean-up. If residents have a split or uprooted tree, they are asked to contact a contractor for removal as the City does not have the capability of removing these trees. Solid waste collection has been suspended at this point due to blocked alleys and streets. Residents are reminded to call 911 in an emergency only.