By CRISTINA JANNEY
Hays Post
The National Weather Service reported up to 2-inch hail in Utica in Ness County in a storm that hit northwest Kansas overnight.
WaKeeney, Ogallah and Collyer in Trego County reported golf-ball to tennis-ball-size hail. Softball-size hail was reported in Gove County.
The Osborne County Sheriff reported a power outage, but power was reported back on as of 4 this morning.
Hays received .45 inches of rain overnight, according to the K-State Ag Research Center.
Hays has received 4.55 inches of precipitation for the year. By the end of May, Hays is expected to receive 7.81 inches year to date.
Skies are forecast to clear today with a high of 71.
However, more rain is in the forecast for the weekend. The chance for showers Friday night is 60 to 90 percent.
There is a 20 to 30 percent chance for rain in Hays Saturday and Saturday night. The high is forecast to be 66 degrees.
There's a 40 percent chance of rain Sunday with a 20 percent chance of rain Sunday night.
Monday's forecast calls for a high of 81, windy and a 20 percent chance of rain during the day and overnight.
Hays ended April below its average rainfall for the month. The average rainfall in April is 2.11 inches, but Hays only received .77 inches.
According to the Kansas Drought Monitor, Ellis County was listed as abnormally dry to experiencing moderate drought. The map, which was released today, counts precipitation through Tuesday.
