By CRISTINA JANNEY
Hays Post
A storm that blew through Kansas overnight brought hail but little rain to Hays.
According to the Midwest Energy website, about 500 people in the Hays area were without power as of about 9:30 last night.
Power had been restored to those customers as of 10 this morning.
Reports of hail varied across the area, with much in the pea-size range but some larger.
Hays received .2 inches of rain, according to the K-State Ag Researh Center. Eagle Radio at 2300 Hall reported .15 inches.
The Kansas drought map, released Thursday, but did not include Wednesday's night rain, showed most of Ellis County as abnormally dry, which is a considerable improvement in recent drought conditions.
According to the research center, Hays has received 2.73 inches of precipitation since the beginning of the year, which is more than the 2.46 inches expected for this area by the end of March.
National Weather Service forecasts a 20 percent chance of more rain before 2 p.m. Thursday for Hays with a high of 53.
Skies will be sunny through the weekend, with highs in the upper 50s to mid-60s.