UPDATE 9:30 p.m.
Midwest Energy reported the number of outages across the region was down to 16,200 from about 30,000 after strong winds damaged power lines and poles across the region.
"Crews are making good progress, and will keep at it for several more hours," a statement from the company said. "We are trying to get our members back on as quickly as possible."
"Given the widespread nature of these outages, it's impossible to tell when a particular circuit will come back on. Please know that we are out there working to get residences back on as quickly as we can."
The company also said it is expected that in some cases power may turn on for a few minutes, but go back off shortly after.
"That is not uncommon during large outages, as crews energize a circuit, but then have to take it back offline in order to balance load out," the company said.
"Lastly, if you have downed lines on your property, or tree limbs on a line, even if you don't think they're energized, do not approach them or touch them! Stay at least 30 feet away, and keep others away. If there is a fire, call 911. Stay safe out there!"
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As of 6 p.m. Wednesday, roughly 25,000 meters in the city of Hays are out of commission after Wednesday's "ferocious" wind storm, according to Mike Morley of Midwest Energy.
This includes much of the city of Hays, although the downtown area remains with power. As of 6:20 p.m., parts of eastern Hays around HaysMed also were back in service.
"The silver living, the good news, is the damage is very, very light, which is a miracle given the intensity of those winds," Morley said.
Most of the damage was localized, with very few poles taken down.
Morley said crews were on scene repairing crossbars and lines and was hopeful power could be restored to most customers this evening.
