Storm Causes Damage to Schools

A strong line of storms last night producing winds up to 70 miles per hour forced the closing of four schools due to loss of electricity. State Street Elementary, Avondale East Elementary, Chase Middle School and Capital City Schools were without power at mid morning today. Principals and staff were at the schools this morning to make sure that any students who showed up were returned home.

The high winds broke several windows at Avondale East Elementary School. A large tree was on the ground next to the school building. At State Street Elementary School, skirting along the bottom of several new portable classrooms was torn away. Large tree limbs were scattered around the school. Several schools were without phone service due to the storm.

Staff from the Topeka Public Schools’ service center were out early this morning removing downed tree limbs on school property and beginning repairs on broken windows and the portable classrooms. Power is expected to be restored to the schools later today.