PITTSBURG, Kan. (AP) Strong wind gusts have damaged a Pittsburg hotel so badly it had to be evacuated, knocked out power to the city’s hospital and closed its schools.
The Joplin Globe reported that wind gust of up to 70 mph were recorded late Tuesday night, causing roof damage and traffic-snarling power outages.
Because of roof damage to Pittsburg’s Econo Lodge, 25 guests were taken to another hotel.
After losing power, Pittsburg’s Via Christi Hospital began operating on its generator system. Via Christi spokesperson Michael Hayslip says no patients had to be moved and that the hospital sustained no visible damage.
Pittsburg State University and the city’s school district canceled classes because of the damaging winds and power outages. The storm tore off a section of roofing at one elementary school.
