A storm packing high winds, torrential rain and hail pounded Hays and the surrounding area Tuesday night.
The winds, reported to be at least 77 mph at Hays Regional Airport, damaged numerous power lines, trees and structures throughout Hays.
While multiple tree branches were broken in the Quad on the Fort Hays State University campus, the biggest extent of the damage was reported at the Akers Energy Center.
There, the high winds caused a portion of the north wall to fall. University crews worked through the night to make sure the structure was safe and begin repairs.
Power was restored, and normal university activities were scheduled for Wednesday — including move-in day in residential halls.
During the height of the storm, thousands of Midwest Energy customers lost power, but the power company was able to repair downed lines throughout the night.
Several residents in lower areas of Hays had to deal with flooding once again as the heavy rain inundated portions of town.
The strong winds also toppled numerous semis along Interstate 70, causing traffic to be stalled for several miles late in the evening. A portion of interstate was closed while emergency crews checked on drivers and cleared the scenes.