By BECKY KISER
Hays Post
An early spring blizzard warning Monday evening for Ellis County and much of western Kansas resulted in much needed moisture to Hays.
The storm first brought rain as the daytime high of 64 degrees fell to the overnight low of 32 degrees. Then light snow fell overnight, a total of 1.8 inches according to the official report from the K-State Agricultural Center.
Total precipitation as of 9 a.m. Monday was 1.19 inches.
To date, Hays has received 2.50 inches of moisture this year, slightly more than the average cumulative total of 2.46 inches by March 22.
A high wind warning issued by the National Weather Serice in Dodge City continues until 7 p.m.
Wind will be out of the north at 35 to 40 mph with gusts up to 60 mph.
Midwest Energy reported 160 separate outages and 3,025 customers without power as of 9 a.m.
The heavy snow and ice building up on power lines in Russell combined with the high wind has caused line galloping, according to a city alert. The city also reports some power poles down and customers currently without electricity.
A handful of area schools were closed Tuesday or delayed opening. Westbound traffic on Interstate 70 was stopped at WaKeeney for several hours Monday night.
The Hays weather forecast calls for another blustery day Wednesday and warmer with sunshine on Thursday.