By BECKY KISER
Hays Post
Much needed spring rain has fallen in the area since Friday. Official reports for Hays from the K-State Agriculture Research Center Monday morning show a three-day total of 5.25 inches.
Rainfall at the Eagle Media Center totaled 5.40 inches. There was more rain to the west with Ellis reporting 6.38 inches and 7.43 inches reported in eastern Trego County.
It was the first precipitation event for April and more is forecast for Tuesday and Wednesday in Hays.
Sunday was cooler with a high temperature of 49 degrees; Saturday’s high was 60 degrees.
Rainfall amounts in Hays each day were:
Friday, April 15: 0.52
Sat., April 16: 4:03
Sun., April 17: 0.70
Flood warnings were issued Sunday for northeast Ellis County until 7:30 p.m. Monday morning the current in Hays Big Creek was flowing freely in Frontier Park and throughout the Fort Hays State University campus.
The only major rain-related problem reported was a partial roof collapse at Big Creek Crossing early Sunday morning.
On his Facebook page Saturday morning, City Commissioner James Meier cautioned that Hays still has a drought problem:
“From the City Managers office, as of the end of March:
For January 1, 2016 to March 31, 2016 we are (-) 0.52 inches below normal
For drought period January 2011- March 31, 2016 we are (-) 14.34 inches below normal.
So bring on the rain! But even if we luck out and get 7 inches, our problems are still not solved. Pray for rain.”
Video from around Hays Monday morning