By Becky Kiser
Hays Post

HAYS—At least two Hays homeowners have lost mature trees to today’s high wind.

A High Wind Warning remains in effect until 8 p.m. tonight.

The National Weather Service reports northerly wind gusts from 43 miles an hour to 57 miles an hour late this afternoon. A 65 mile an hour gust was recorded in WaKeeney.

Hays resident Barb Wasinger says one tree in her yard, a 12-year-old ornamental Canadian Red Cherry, was felled in today’s wind.

“My husband Tom and I just talked about it yesterday and remarked how it lovely it was to walk out our front door and know it was blooming by the smell,” she said.

Wasinger said they will replace the tree.

A mature crab apple tree was split by the wind and is lying across the sidewalk at Julie Kitchener’s house.

She’s unsure of its age.

“We’re  going to count the rings when we cut it up tonight to get it off the sidewalk,” said Kitchener.